Page 8 - OPE September 2019

CLIPPINGS
Local and International News
Outdoor power recalls
TWO RECENT PRODUCT
recalls were announced that are relevant to repeat for our audience:
First, tests have revealed that the screw connections of STIHL Polycut 27-3 and 47-3 trimmer heads may come loose in operation. As a result it is possible that moving parts could fly off and cause injury.
What to do? Do not use the trimmer head again but return it to your local STIHL dealer for a refund.
Following John Deere having contacted all affected owners in New Zealand, Product Recalls also announced that due to improper routing the plastic sheathing on the throttle cable of John Deere XUV835 utility vehicle (2018-2019) may melt, causing the throttle to stick.
What to do? Stop using the vehicle, contact your local authorised John Deere dealer for a free inspection and, if necessary, repair.
www.recalls.govt.nz
HEALTH & SAFETY
Dust control: more work needed
NOW
AVAILABL
OF INTEREST TO those particularly in the hire sector, WorkSafe recently released the
findings of research into the use of dust controls among construction workers who perform dusty work.
The survey (“Dusty Work & Use of Controls among Construction Workers”) focused on 250 construction workers in Hamilton – the country’s fourth largest construction centre – and sadly found low use of dust suppression and extraction, particularly in demolition and woodwork.
WorkSafe adds that, while workers reported high levels of respirator use, fit-testing was low, added to which few users were clean-shaven, rendering personal protective equipment less effective than it should be.
The report also found that younger workers appeared to be less aware of the risks and less likely to wear PPE.
Of the broader picture, WorkSafe admits:“ItislikelytheHamiltonresults
are indicative of the national picture and we will be working with stakeholders and industrytoincreaseawarenessofthehealth
hazards posed by dust to encourage better practice.”
https://worksafe.govt.nz/ n
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