Mental shortcuts, or heuristics, play a crucial role in how we make decisions behind the wheel, and that can be a big problem. Here’s a comprehensive look at how these cognitive patterns affect driving skills and safety, with real-world examples.…
The importance of manual handling safety is often discussed in the context of the farming, healthcare and construction sectors. However, it’s equally critical to address the risks faced by truck drivers and machine operators, such as forklift operators. These professions…
Trapping and crushing injuries are all too easy on scissor lifts and boom lifts. They have lots of moving parts, they can work in hazardous areas getting close to other objects, and they move with force (there’s some weight behind…
Food is your fuel. You wouldn’t put poor-quality fuel in your vehicle and expect it to run properly. The same applies to your body. Your food choices affect your thinking, your reactions, your energy and your alertness. This applies whether…
Sitting in the same position for a long period of time is a recipe for aches and pains, particularly in your back, hips, neck and shoulders. Setting your seat and steering wheel correctly can help minimise the risk that you’ll…
Being blind in one eye means you have monocular vision. This makes it much more difficult to: Judge depth (3D vision) – this is worse within around 10 metres of the vehicle, which makes parking an issue Judge the speed…
Around ten thousand people a year have a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (a mini-stroke) every year. A stroke can be caused by a blockage, such as a blood clot, stopping blood flow to part of the brain, or…
Forklifts are used in environments which can be challenging for the operator, both physically and mentally. Even if you’re not using a forklift, you’re exposed to many of the same environmental and work conditions. Employers (PCBUs) must take measures to…
Despite dramatic safety improvements in cars, drivers and passengers continue to be injured because the laws of physics and biology cannot always be overcome. Rapid deceleration while being restrained by the seatbelts puts a huge strain on the human body.…
There is no law preventing a deaf driver from driving a private motor car or motorbike in New Zealand. However, deaf drivers may want to consider additional features to help them, where possible: Additional mirrors – these can be set…
The distance you should be able to see ahead relates to the amount of time you need to stop and how you can perceive the danger. This is affected by: Your eyesight Your speed The characteristics of the road ahead…
If you have pedestrian and heavy machinery traffic alongside truck movements in your warehouse or yard, you must have a set of health and safety rules and a site induction to ensure that accidents don’t happen. Truck drivers and pedestrian…
Forklifts that operate using LPG, diesel or petrol emit carbon monoxide when running; electric forklifts don’t have any emissions. If you operate a forklift in an enclosed space without any ventilation, carbon monoxide levels can rise to the point where…
Taking your driving test can stress you out, whether it’s a practical test or the theory test. You’ve paid money to take the test and your freedom is riding on it. So, how do you keep your nerves under control…
It is still possible to drive with one arm, no arms, one leg, or no legs. Having a limb amputated does not invalidate your current driver licence. However, a doctor may require that you drive a specific type of vehicle…
The law does not prevent you from driving when you are pregnant unless you can’t do so safely, i.e. you cannot control the car. The physical changes and challenges you face when being pregnant might encourage you (or force you)…
There’s only so long you can fight the urge to sleep before your eyes will close and you’ll run off the road, probably with serious consequences. Accidents where drivers fall asleep tend to be at high speed because the driver doesn’t…
Drivers that spend long periods of time in their vehicles can be susceptible to pain. Whether you’re commuting 90 minutes each way, or you’re a professional driver doing 10 hours on the road in a truck, there are things you…
In order to drive you must meet a minimum level of health. Every time you renew or replace your driver’s licence you must either declare yourself fit to drive or, in some cases, supply a medical or eyesight certificate. Some…
A brain injury need not mean the end of driving. Some skills can be regained or relearned, including driving. Getting back on the road again can improve independence for people who have suffered a brain injury. Driving requires a number of…
