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Are Skyscrapers to Blame For Worsening Pollution

smog
Source: https://sourceable.net/skyscrapers-worsening-air-pollution-cities/#

With the high prevalence of skyscraper construction throughout Australia, it is important to consider the impact these buildings are having on the environment.

Researchers at the University of Toronto found that a combination of smog-covered skyscrapers and sunlight could be making urban air pollution worse.

The researchers claim that exposure to the sun can trigger the release of nitrogen oxide compounds harboured by the film of pollution that gathers on the surface of structures like skyscrapers in smoggy cities.

The findings are significant because they contradict previous assumptions that nitrates are neutralised once trapped by pollution on the surface of structures.

Source: https://sourceable.net/skyscrapers-worsening-air-pollution-cities/#

Building Materials from Rubbish

building materials
Source: Gizmodo.com.au

Japanese architect Shigeru Ban has come up with a way to help rebuild structures destroyed by earthquakes using the actual building materials from the damaged buildings.

His latest work in Nepal, used the rubble from buildings destroyed during the earthquake and turning them into homes and buildings for a much lower cost than normal.

Read more at http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2015/07/the-plan-to-reuse-earthquake-rubble-for-emergency-homes-in-nepal/

Bolivian City Builds Transportation System in the Sky

APTOPIX Bolivia Elections
Source: Gizmodo.com.au

With construction in the Bolivian city of La Paz already being complicated, because of its location high in the Andes Mountains, town planners have come up with a better way of connecting the city, rather than the more common railway network or roadway- instead a cable line.

Connecting the densely populated urban areas of La Paz is an intricate cable car system well above street level, using technology normally utilised by ski resort towns in the Alps. The result is the longest and highest  cable car network in the world.

The city is now planning to triple the cable car network.

Read more at http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2015/08/the-worlds-longest-urban-gondola-is-growing-into-a-huge-network/

Safety in WA Mines in the Spotlight

mine
Source: www.abc.net.au

Speaking at a Western Australian mines inspector forum, the Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion reminded the industry that the lives of workers should be the main priority.

He said every worker had a right to return home safely at the end of every day.

The forum held last week brought together the State’s Mines Safety Inspectorate and gave the inspectors the chance to share their knowledge and experience with each other.

The inspectors were also reminded of their duty to encourage the industry to continue climbing the hierarchy of controls.

Source: http://content.safetyculture.com.au/news/index.php/09/forum-focuses-safety-wa-mines/#.VeyV-BGqqkp

New Zealand Construction to Boom for Next Six Years

The value of construction in New Zealand is higher than its been in the past 50 years and this activity is expected to continue for the next 6 years at least. Most of the activity can be attributed to Auckland’s housing boom.

prefab walls
Source: www.getdomainvids.com

The National Construction Pipeline Report released by Building and Housing Minister Nick Smith confirmed this boom.

The report revealed that $209.4 billion of work is over the next six years, peaking in 2016 at $36.5 billion.

It has been estimated that 94,400 new dwellings approvals will take place between 2013-2020.

Read more at https://sourceable.net/nz-construction-boom-tipped-for-next-six-years/#

WorkSafe Victoria Celebrates 30 Years

worksafe victoria
Source: SafetyCulture.com.au

WorkSafe Victoria is celebrating its 30th year as Victoria’s workplace health and safety regulator, having started operations on 1 September 1985.

The regulator was established as a single Government insurance scheme, WorkCare replacing more than 50 insurers. In 1996 the organisation’s power was increased to regulate work health and safety.

The organisation has been successful in improving workplace safety in the state dramatically. The number of injuries in the state went from 58,700 in 1985 to 26,500 in 2014 and 1.27 million injured workers have received support from the scheme.

Read more at http://content.safetyculture.com.au/news/index.php/09/victorias-work-health-safety-watchdog-marks-30-years/#.VeYaD_mqqko

 

Rise in Construction Activity in Australia and US

bricklaying
Source: DailyMail.co.uk

Building products supplier Boral has seen its profits soar due to the rise in construction activity in Australia and the USA. The company posted a strong 48 per cent rise in full-year profit to $257 million mostly due to the boost in building activity in both countries.

With New South Wales leading all other states in Australia in the housing market, Boral’ largest division – construction materials and cement – saw its earnings rise 9 per cent.

Find out more at http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-27/boral-profit-soars-as-construction-picks-up/6728832

Why Snakes are More Dangerous Than Sharks

snake
Source: www.businessinsider.com.au

An article on BusinessInsider.com got me thinking about what a risk snakes can pose on construction sites, particularly remote sites where new buildings come up in the place of thick vegetation.

The writer highlighted a very interest fact, while most people are afraid of sharks, they only kill about 10 people a year whereas snakes kill 50,000 people a year on average. And this figure is probably much higher because people that get snake bites in remote areas sometimes don’t report it.

Employers need to be aware of the risk of these pests on construction sites.

Good housekeeping also plays an important role and any rubbish lying around the site should by thrown into the garbage including empty containers, debris and waste materials.

Find out more at http://www.businessinsider.com.au/snakes-are-5000-times-more-dangerous-than-sharks-2015-8/

Learn How to Choose a Welding Helmet

welding helmet
Source: www.topbestweldinghelmet.com

Protecting your face and eyes is of paramount importance when welding, which is why choosing the right helmet for the job is of such importance.

With all the options on the market these days choosing the right helmet for you can be a daunting task but putting safety first and prioritizing comfort are 2 keys to remember.

The third most important aspect is technological advancements.

Click to read more about choosing the right helmet here.