News & Events
Are you prepared?
First off, make sure your site is safe and secure before you close down for the break. Use barriers and plates to protect the public from entering your work site and to cover exposed cables and pipes.
On your return to work, have a safety toolbox meeting and remind your staff of the 5 P’s of safe excavation. With crews stood down over the break, it’s normal for people to have a brain fade and not be fully re-engaged in all of the safety protocols. Download and distribute a copy of our Safe Digging Guide and discuss it with your teams.
Make sure your utility plans are still in date after the holiday break. Plans typically last 28 days. If you conducted your last beforeUdig enquiry more than 28 days ago, then complete another and review the latest plans for any changes.
For new work site locations, make sure that you get a utility locate and mark-out in preparation for your return. For the existing work site, inspect to make sure the utility mark-outs remain—reorder a locate and mark-out if these have faded or are no longer present.
You can find a beforeUdig certified locator on your enquiry confirmation or on our website here.
Sun and heat safety
Sun and heat can be particularly harsh here in New Zealand, so make sure you implement these practices on your work site.
Reduce sun exposure
- Avoid long periods of work in direct sunshine between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. where possible.
- Take regular breaks in the shade and rotate workers on jobs with the most exposure to the sun.
- Wear UPF50+ lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts in lighter colours with adequate airflow or ventilation. Ensure clothing isn’t loose enough to get caught in machinery.
- Fit neck and full-brim protectors to hard hats.
- Wear close-fitting, wrap-around sunglasses that comply with the AS/NZ 1337 standard.
Wear sunscreen
- Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of at least SPF 50.
- Ensure the AS/NZ 2604 standard is on the label and that the product has not expired.
- Apply at least 15 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply every two hours.
- Keep a 1 litre (or larger) container in an easily accessible location for all workers.
Keep hydrated
- Drink plenty of water regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated.
- Keep a water bottle nearby and drink before you feel thirsty.
- Drink 150–200 ml of water every 15–20 minutes rather than consuming a full litre occasionally.
- Most people need 3–4 litres of water per day; if you’re working in all-day heat, you’ll likely need more.
- Choose water over coffee, tea, or soft drinks. Avoid energy drinks—high caffeine and sugar can cause dehydration.
Warning signs
Make sure everyone knows what signs to look out for when they, or someone they’re working with, could be overheating:
- Feeling weak or dizzy
- Darker-coloured urine
- Pounding or rapid pulse
- Loss of balance or fainting
- Headaches
- Muscle cramps
- Mood changes or confusion
- Clammy or sweaty skin
If heat stress or exhaustion is not addressed quickly, it can progress to heat stroke. At its worst, this can be life-threatening.
