Blog

Toolbox Meeting 8 May 2024

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Wed, 08 May 2024 00:32:43 GMT

Reporting near misses, incidents and hazards

On all sites, and in all workplaces we must report: near misses, incidents and hazards.

Why do we do this?

- We are obligated to do this under the Health and Safety Act.

- It allows work places to implement preventative measures to mitigate future risk, or remove hazards to prevent incidents from occurring.

- The site has records to recall back on in the future, especially in Health & Safety meetings.

What is a near miss?

- Any situation in which an incident occurs, but there is no damage, or no one was harmed.

- Eg. Boxes fall over inside the shipping container, but there was no contact, or injury to the staff devanning.

What is a hazard?

- Something that may cause risk of damage/injury.

- Eg. A layer of boxes that look like they could fall over.

What is an incident?

- An event in which there is damage or injury, or in which could have caused potential for damage of injury.

- Eg. A box falls inside the container hitting the devanner on the leg. The devanner is not injured, and has a surface level scratch on their leg.

How do we report near misses, hazards and incidents?

- Tell the site manager/health & safety officer immediately. Each site will have their own, individual form to complete.

Who must report these?

- The workers involved in the incident, near miss, or the person who identified the hazard.

- If the worker is injured and cannot report the incident, then their colleagues should report this immediately and seek medical attention for the worker involved in the incident.

Toolbox 11 April 2024

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 02:59:41 GMT

Falling Object Risk

When container devanning it is important to mitigate the risk of falling objects. Falling objects can cause great risk of injury, and should be carefully managed to prevent this.

Some key steps to prevent the risk of falling objects are:

Ensure the product is secure. An assessment visually should be made before attempting to move the product (is the product on a lean, is the product stacked with alternating patterns to inter-lock the stacks, or is it tower stacked?).
Once the product is clearly secure, we can then start to unload the product. Always start from the top and work down.
If at any stage the product becomes un-secure, step away from the product out of harms way and re-assess the situation. If there is risk and it cannot be mitigated, report this to the site manager immediately.
When lifting product from the ground, ensure all higher product on the previous row is secure before bending down to lift. Keep a continuous eye on the product above to ensure you are aware of your surroundings at all times.
Do not stand in the container when a forklift enters, stand outside the container, 2m from the forklift at all times. Sometimes when a forklift enters, it can be enough to cause product to become unstable and fall. When we re-enter the container after the completed product has been removed, we must ensure we complete another assessment of how secure the product is.

If you are ever in doubt, talk to site management or MoreStaff management.

ToolBox 12 March 2024

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:31:28 GMT

Don't rush...

Reminder to all staff, do not rush.

A lot of work we do is repetitive, and time sensitive, but at no point should we rush and risk our health and safety to get the job done quicker.

Here is a quick checklist that all staff should do before starting a new task/job:

- Are there any new hazards?

- What are the risks involved in this task?

- Can I minimise these risks, and remove these hazards to make this job safe?

- Report all to the site manager

While doing the task it is important to remember the following:

- Ensure that you are taking enough time to complete the job safely.

- Take breaks when needed, and for lunch and morning/afternoon tea.

- Do not rush others.

- Always maintain safe operating procedures.

- Ensure there are no trip hazards.

- Keep concentration on the task at hand.

Always prioritise safety over speed, this is your own safety, and the safety of everyone around you.

ToolBox Meeting 5 March 2024

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 21:37:49 GMT

Reporting Incidents, Near Misses & Hazards

In the workplace it is critical to report all near misses, hazards and incidents as soon as they occur. No matter how big or small they are.

Example of a near miss:

- A box has fallen whilst container devanning and narrowly missed hitting you.

- The truck transporting equipment to the site almost reversed into you.

Example of a hazard:

- A spill on the ground.

- Product which looks like it might fall over.

- Uneven surfaces in which you could trip on.

Example of an incident:

- You accidentally got a small cut on your finger when handling some product.

- You grabbed a box the wrong way and it bent your finger back.

- You slipped on a wet area, but nothing was damaged and you are not injured.

How to report these:

- Tell site management immediately.

- Tell MoreStaff management immediately.

- Every site will have a designated health & safety officer, talk to that person.

Always:

- If the incident requires immediate medical attention, freeze the scene, find the first aid officer or call 111.

For all further information on our policies and procedures, please refer to our MoreStaff health & safety manual.

Auckland - WE ARE OPEN!

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 22:59:05 GMT

A large milestone for MoreStaff. Our 2024 Auckland expansion is taking place!

We now service Auckland!

Over the years many of our Christchurch clients have requested that we start an Auckland branch, as many operate up in Auckland as well and now the day is finally here. We are officially open for business and taking bookings in Auckland.

The above images are of one of the crews helping a client set up their Auckland warehouse, by unloading trucks and staging pallets. Another job well done, as we received a phone call saying "Johan and Mattheus are the best 2 workers we have ever seen, they are amazing" - Aimee. We cannot wait to help more businesses in Auckland, providing them with high quality labour solutions for one off, and on-going projects. We have started building out our team of go getters, and have crews ready to go.

We would also like to take a moment to thank our Christchurch staff, without your ongoing high level of work we wouldn't have the traction to make this expansion happen, so to you, our Christchurch team, we are exceptionally grateful - thank you.

The MoreStaff Team

Toolbox 9 FEB 2024 - Hydration in hot weather

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 20:58:10 GMT

Why is adequate hydration important when labouring?

Today, we're going to discuss the critical importance of hydration for all of us as labourers on the job. Hydration is not just a matter of comfort; it's crucial for our health, safety, and productivity. Let's delve into why staying hydrated is essential and what we can do to ensure we're maintaining proper hydration levels throughout our workday.

Why Hydration Matters:

Maintaining Physical Performance:

Dehydration can lead to decreased physical performance, including reduced strength, endurance, and coordination. As labourers, our physical capabilities are vital for completing tasks efficiently and safely. Staying hydrated ensures we can perform at our best.

Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses:

Working in hot and humid conditions increases the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Proper hydration helps regulate body temperature and reduces the risk of these potentially life-threatening conditions.

Enhancing Mental Alertness:

Dehydration not only affects our physical well-being but also impacts cognitive function. It can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. Staying hydrated keeps our minds sharp and alert, reducing the risk of accidents on the job.

Supporting Overall Health:

Hydration is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. It supports proper digestion, circulation, and kidney function. By drinking an adequate amount of water, we help our bodies function optimally and reduce the risk of various health issues.

Tips for Staying Hydrated on the Job:

Drink Water Regularly:

Make it a habit to drink water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. By the time you feel thirsty, you may already be dehydrated. Aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, or more if you're working in hot conditions.

Take Water Breaks:

Incorporate short water breaks into your work routine, especially during periods of intense physical activity or when working in high temperatures. Use these breaks to hydrate and cool down.

Use Reusable Water Bottles:

Carry a reusable water bottle with you at all times and refill it as needed. This ensures you always have access to water throughout the day, even if you're working in remote areas.

Monitor Urine Colo r:

Pay attention to the color of your urine. Clear or light-colored urine is a sign of proper hydration, while dark yellow urine indicates dehydration. Aim for pale yellow urine as an indicator of adequate hydration.

Avoid Excessive Caffeine and Sugary Drinks:

Limit consumption of caffeinated and sugary beverages, as they can contribute to dehydration. Water is the best choice for staying hydrated, followed by electrolyte-rich drinks for replenishing lost minerals during intense physical activity.

How to train your staff to be better in the workplace?

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:36:46 GMT

Training is exceptionally important. We invest back into our people.

How to train your staff to be better in the workplace?

Training is a critical part of building a good team. Sometimes staff just need time in a role, other times they need to be shown and guided on how to do a role. At MoreStaff we spend a lot of time training new staff, especially skilled staff - forklift drivers are a prime example of this.

The benefits of spending time training your staff include:

Increased performance and quality of work.
Increased output and efficiency.
Heightened workplace satisfaction.
Decreased staff churn rate.
Decreases health and safety risk.
Less mistakes, damages and incidents which cause loss.
Happier clients.

However, when training staff it is important to do it effectively, and constructively. From experience staff do not learn well when they have added pressure from management - remember it is a training, not a performance review.

At MoreStaff we try to positively encourage staff and set realistic tasks in which we challenge our employees to learn new skills, but they don’t feel overwhelmed.

For example when we put an employee through their forklift courses we spend a minimum of 2-3 days with them training them on what to do, how to operate the forklift and what the best safety standards are, in accordance with the OSH. We also then pair that newly qualified person with experienced driver from our team, so there is always someone close by that can help if needed.

We try our best to also use dialogue with the words “we”, not “you” or “I”. We means us, and we are a TEAM. At the end of the day we all want the best for the client, so we are all working together towards that common goal of doing a great job, every time. Training is just another part of how we achieve this.

If you are interested in reading more about some other skills we offer, read about MPI APs here: https://www.morestaff.nz/mpi-ap-container-devanning

Toolbox 29 Jan 2024 - Getting a good night sleep

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 22:22:19 GMT

Why it is important to get a good sleep when you are labouring

When labouring, or doing anything physically demanding, or that requires decision making it is important to get sufficient rest the night(s) before you do it. Not getting enough sleep causes a fatigue risk within the workplace, impacting your bodies ability to perform physical tasks safely, and to make correct decisions.

Here are some of the key reasons of why getting a good sleep is important.

1) Physical Performance

Adequate sleep is essential for physical performance and health, body recovery for the next day, and ensuring you can meet the physical demands of the job.

2) Mental Alertnes s

Lack of sleep impacts your cognitive function, concentration and reaction times. The work we do often requires quick decision making and a well rested individual is better equipped to handle these tasks.

3) Safety

Fatigue increases the risk of incidents and accidents that attribute to injuries in the workplace. Especially jobs that involve machinery such as forklift driving. Being alert and well rested is critical for keeping the workplace safe.

4) Productivity

When you are well rested you have increase productivity and efficiency in the workplace, meaning we can provide a better service to our client, and complete an overall better job.

5) Emotional Well-being

Lack of sleep can increase stress levels, and impact your overall mood. We want our staff to feel good at work, and create a positive, happy work culture. Being well rested helps this.

What we look for when hiring temporary labour staff

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 21:39:16 GMT

Being a temporary labour agency, this is what we look for:

What traits we look for when hiring temporary labourers at MoreStaff.

Reliability

It is critical that our staff turn up on time and get the job finished within the deadline. Our clients rely on our ability to deliver when we say we will, because if we don’t they risk letting their customers down, or being charged detention charges for not returning shipping containers by their deadline, or not completing a project on time.

What we look for when recruiting staff; is the applicant early/on time for the interview, have they been on time and reliable for other jobs they have worked, have they been involved in sports teams or other groups in which punctuality was important.

Attention to detail

A lot of the work we do requires attention to detail, for example: with differing SKUS inside a container it often creates large issues down the supply chain if product is not separated by SKU correctly, or if staff do not follow instruction.

We try to find people who have proven to be quick learners, and have an ability to notice small details. We look and an applicants education history, previous job history, reference checks and now our employment interview quiz in which we ask a series of questions to test their attention to detail.

Health and Safety

In all workplaces H&S is critical. Staff must look out for their own safety, and the safety of their peers in the workplace. Due to working at such a range of sites across Christchurch and Auckland, it is important our staff uphold a high standard of procedure in accordance with our H&S policy, and the site's policies to ensure workplace safety.

We ask applicants interview questions about their ability to uphold standards and procedures in the workplace, and then double check their examples against their work references to ensure they have the ability to work safely. We also have a zero drug and alcohol policy and can perform random drug screenings if required.

Team work

99% of our work is done in a team, whether that is with other MoreStaff employees or with the Client’s staff. Therefore having the right attitude and ability to work in a team is exceptionally important.

We test an applicants ability to work in a team via our interview questions and looking at their previous life experiences. A good sign is if someone has been in a high performing sports team, or someone who is apart of lots of clubs, community related events etc. We often also find if someone presents a ‘growth mindset’ they will take constructive feedback well, and fit in with the staff we have employed who already set a high standard of work.

Why Container Devanning Is Important

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 22:45:29 GMT

Streamlining Global Logistics with effici ent Devanning.

Container devanning, the unloading and unpacking of cargo from shipping containers, is the backbone in the global supply chain. Its efficiency directly influences supply chain optimization, reducing lead times, cutting storage costs, and enhancing logistics performance. However, the process is not without its challenges.

Cargo diversity, varying container sizes, and safety concerns pose significant hurdles. Containers often house an assortment of products, from fragile cargo to perishable goods, necessitating specialized handling expertise. Different container sizes, such as 20-foot and 40-foot variants, demand adaptable strategies for the devanning process. Ensuring the safety of both cargo and workers is paramount, requiring meticulous handling practices.

To overcome these challenges, adopting best practices is imperative. Pre-planning is essential, involving an understanding of cargo nature, resource allocation, and a well-defined timeline for devanning. Sorting and segregating goods into there Skus upon opening the container aids in efficient storage and distribution, as well as identification and removal of damaged items. Employing the right equipment, like forklifts and conveyor systems, accelerates the process. A trained well trained workforce familiar with diverse cargo types contributes significantly to a successful devanning operation.

In conclusion, container devanning is a vital link in the global supply chain, demanding careful planning, technological integration, and a skilled workforce to ensure efficiency. Many of our clients outsource their operation to us, MoreStaff - as we specialise in container devanning and have numerous trained teams of skilled staff ready to handle any container unloading job.

Christchurch MPI Accredited Person for Container Devanning

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 01:09:23 GMT

What are MPI Accredited Persons (AP)? And what do they do?

MPI APs, otherwise known in full as Ministry of Primary Industries Accredited Persons as people who are present while container devanning occurs to ensure the protection of New Zealand's biosecurity risks associated with importing shipping containers.

When we import product, there are numerous risks associated with this - for example the entry of foreign spiders, insects and soils into our country, which can cause extensive damage to our biodiversity.

It's important that an AP is present for the following reasons:

It's part of MPI requirements to be able to unload imported shipping containers.
It protects our biodiversity.
It ensures that the site meets the TF requirements and doesn't risk losing this status.

At MoreStaff we can offer a range of services, including supply temporary MPI APs for container unloading.
If you would like to know more about this service, please contact us.

What is "Container Devanning"?

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 20:35:21 GMT

Learn more about container devanning and loading

S o... what does 'container devanning' really mean?

Devanning is the process or action of removing various cargo from a sealed container, also known as unloading the container. According to Transport.govt.nz, New Zealand is responsible for importing just shy of 200,000 TEU in 2022 across the country. Most of which will be devanned, ready for domestic consumption.

The devanning process can include unloading palletised or slip sheeted product, or hand unloading the product. Here at MoreStaff, we can do all 3.

Majority of the time the hand unloaded product is placed onto pallets, wrapped and then put into the warehouse storage, or if the client is operating a JIT inventory system, then it often goes out the same day.

When people hear about devanning, they often don't understand the biosecurity risk associated with importing various product into New Zealand. That is why when unloading any container across New Zealand there must be an MPI AP (accredited personal) present to inspect the container, act if there is a biosecurity risk, and correctly log the container log sheet for MPI records. The site must also have a current TFO (Transitional Facility Operator) who is responsible for the overall MPI requirements of their TF (Transitional facility). More on MPI requirements in our next blog post!

If you want to chat devanning - give us a call.

Tool Box Meeting - 20 June 2023

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 02:11:21 GMT

Pre labour warm ups

Warm Up & Stretching

Warming up and stretching before starting any physical labour work is crucial for preventing injuries and ensuring optimal performance.

Warming up helps to increase body temperature, heart rate and blood flow, preparing the body for the upcoming physical activity.

We highly recommend that all staff complete a warm up and stretch before commencing any work.

Attached below is a diagram for stretches to be completed:

https://www.assetrec.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ACC1953-Stretches-for-manual-workers.pdf

Tool Box Meeting - 8 June 2023

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 00:24:54 GMT

Reporting Incidents and Near Misses

All Incidents and Near Misses, or potential hazards must be reported to the site supervisor straight away regardless of the severity.

1. First assess the situation, follow the risk matrix you have received in our employment H&S policies.

2. Depending on the severity of the incident you may be required to contact emergency services, if so call 111 immediately.

3. For all other incidents or near misses, administrator basic first aid, receive further assistance from the qualified first aider on site if necessary, and report it to the site supervisor immediately as well as Morestaff administration.

Please also ensure that you fill out a full incident report on site, as well as a Morestaff report online after the incident or near miss has occurred.

Toolbox Meeting - 29 May 2023

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Mon, 29 May 2023 02:00:45 GMT

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for the protection of workers from a number of hazards in the workplace.

All staff must wear a minimum of closed steel caps boots and high visibility clothing on all sites.

Some sites will require additional PPE such as Hardhats, Respirators, Gloves, Overalls and Safety glasses. If this is the case the site will provide these to you and provide you with the adequate instruction on how to use them correctly.

Toolbox Meeting - 22 May 2023

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Mon, 22 May 2023 01:25:50 GMT

Forklift - Managing Risk

Forklifts pose significant risks to both operators and pedestrians in the workplace if not operated correctly or given adequate space to operate by others around.

For those operating the forklift:

Complete pre-start check every morning before getting started.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
When operating the forklift ensure you are aware of your surroundings at all times.
Respect site restrictions such as speed limits, stack height of pallets and flow of traffic.
Use the horn to indicate your presence when travelling through doors or around corners.

For those not on the forklift:

Ensure the operator can see you and is aware of your location at all times.
Remove yourself from confined spaces such as inside the container when the forklift is inside and operating.
Keep a 2m circumference between yourself and the forklift at all times.

Thanks,

MoreStaff Team

Toolbox Meeting - 15 May 2023

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Sun, 14 May 2023 23:42:35 GMT

Toolbox Meeting - Trip Hazards

Slips, trips and falls are a common cause of injury in the workplace.

When walking on site, always make sure you are paying attention.
Keep an eye out for ground clutter, uneven or slippery floors, and poor lighting.
When possible, ensure you are using the designated walkways which are marked on site to mitigate any risk.
If there is a slip hazard, report this to the site manager immediately.
Avoid puddled areas.
Ensure your work boots have adequate lugs on their soles, and that the sole is not worn down.
Clean up your working area as you go, placing any rubbish in the rubbish bins.
Do not run on site.

Reuben's 100km Run for Charity

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Mon, 08 May 2023 23:45:26 GMT

South Island 100km Ultramarathon - Raising money for I AM HOPE

MoreStaff team member Reuben Clutterbuck is racing this Saturday in the South Island Ultra Marathon 100km race, raising money for I AM HOPE ( https://www.iamhope.org.nz ). All donations will go to the charity which attempts to normalise the conversation around mental health in New Zealand.

Over the past 10 years I AM HOPE has talked to 300,000 children in New Zealand school's all across the country, and has enabled free counselling for over 10,000 young kiwis.

If you want to donate to support this amazing cause, here is the link below:

https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/100km-for-i-am-hope?fbclid=IwAR3rvadzOi3n5Tv1Xi4V4pZE6H3HgpU8-OoFP2BaDWgWv_opXG-iNNvXzdw

Give it hell Reuben.

We can't wait to watch you smash it!

MoreStaff Team

Meet the team - Johan

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Fri, 05 May 2023 00:02:15 GMT

Meet the team - Johan

Say hello to Johan,

MoreStaff's Recruitment Manager!

Background:

Whether it's forklift driving, devanning or hiring and training new staff, Johan is the person to ta lk to. Johan (and Sam) have the MoreStaff record for unloading a hand-stacked 40ft of Corona 18 pack Beer in 1hr 18min, with no broken product. Johan also knows how to turn up on race day, recently qualifying for the Boston Marathon with a time of 2:53:21.

Interests include:

David Goggins, running, lifting weights, nearly all sports & the Michael Jordan vs Lebron James GOAT debate.

Favourite song:

IFTK by Tion Wayne

Next Running Race:

Huntley 1/2 Marathon | Goal time: 1hr 20min

Tool Box Meeting - 1 MAY 2023

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Mon, 01 May 2023 01:07:50 GMT

Falling Object - Managing Risk

Objects are sometimes poorly stacked and can move around during transport which may cause them to fall putting you at risk of injury.

Do not try and catch any falling boxes or products, just let them fall.

Make sure if an object was to fall you are not in the line of fire.

If an object was looking like or going to fall, clear the area and report it to the site manager straight away.

If you feel the container is not safe to continue speak to the site manager

All incidents, potential hazards, and near misses should also be reported immediately.

Toolbox Meeting 19 April 2023

admin@morestaff.nz (More Staff) — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 02:55:36 GMT

Repetitive Lifting - Managing Risk

Incorrect lifting technique is a very common cause of injury in the workplace.

Ensure you are using proper lifting technique, lift with your legs, not your back.

If the product is marked ‘2 person lift’ or is too heavy for you to lift comfortably alone, use two people to lift it, do not attempt to do it by yourself.

Ensure you are taking adequate breaks if and when they are necessary as outlined by our H&S breaks policy.

If you are experiencing excessive fatigue, report it to the site manager straight away.

E Toolbox Meeting 30 June 2021

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 22:01:53 GMT

How to correctly lift product

Follow these tips to avoid compressing the spinal discs or straining your lower back when you are lifting:

Keep a wide base of support. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly ahead of the other.
Squat down, bending at the hips and knees only. If needed, put one knee to the floor and your other knee in front of you, bent at a right angle (half kneeling).
Keep good posture. Look straight ahead, and keep your back straight, your chest out, and your shoulders back. This helps keep your upper back straight while having a slight arch in your lower back.
Slowly lift by straightening your hips and knees (not your back). Keep your back straight, and don't twist as you lift.
Hold the load as close to your body as possible, at the level of your belly button.
Use your feet to change direction, taking small steps.
Lead with your hips as you change direction. Keep your shoulders in line with your hips as you move.
Set down your load carefully, squatting with the knees and hips only.

For further details watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAyeJq-xLD8&fbclid=IwAR2NbnhMDavmyfirUTSj4UO5HYoec4-Q2S63pRH4E0OS5TI59fojYwYwzRw

Toolbox Meeting 11 June 2021

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 23:08:44 GMT

Winter Sickness

As we move into colder months it is important for all staff to look after themselves, and look after their co workers.

This means :

- W ashing hands regularly

- Wearing enough warm layers of clothing

- Getting adequate rest

If you feel unwell, let the MoreStaff management team know immediately. Even if you feel 'slightly off', don't risk working.

It is both safer, and better service to our clients if staff reframe from accepting work if they feel they will not be fit come the job. We would rather find someone 100% ready for the job, then send someone who only feels 90% ready. When staff do not feel 100% accidents happen, flus spread and we risk making matters worse.

Toolbox Meeting - 20 May 2021

Thu, 20 May 2021 00:14:35 GMT

Crushing Hazards

In any workplace it is important to mitigate the risk of crushing hazards,

Commonly found crushing hazards are:

- falling product, machinery, forklifts and placing boxes onto pallets.

Common injuries associated with risk:

- crushed finger, crushed foot resulting in bruising or swelling.

- more servere injuries could be broken bones, or serious head injury from falling boxes.

In the situation of falling product, always be observant of surrounding products that have the potential to fall. Early signs of products that look unstable are products hanging over an edge, unbalanced product, or product that moves with indirect surrounding movements (Ie. a forklift removing a pallet from the container, shaking stacked boxes).

If you notice a potential hazard, step back and take 5 to evaluate the hazard. If the product can be safely removed to mitigate the falling risk altogether then do so. If the hazard can not be safely removed, freeze the scene and tell the site supervisor immediately.

Never attempt to catch falling boxes or falling product. Always make moving out of the way a priority. Product can be replaced, you can not.

All near misses or potential hazards should be reported immediately.

Welcome Tim!

Mon, 17 May 2021 00:40:20 GMT

We are excited for Tim Hopkins to join our team as the new recruitment and staff training coordinator!

Tim Hopkins, aka Tim Tam, joins the MoreStaff admin team as our recruitment and staff training coordinator. Tim has a wide range of life and work experience, in both the UK and in New Zealand. Tim started working in, Liverpool as a fraud investigator with Spanish bank Santander, handling accounts up to $2m. Tim has also worked as a graduate engineer at Nippon Seiki in the UK, assisting with quality assurance, and the manufacturing of land rover's driver display units. However, in 2018 Tim took a leap of faith and jumped on a plane to New Zealand, landing a rowing coaching job working with Avonside. Fast forward to 2021 and Tim has coached a range of school, club teams, and was even recently selected to coach the South Island U18 Rowing team.

Tim has also been a part of MoreStaff over the last few years, starting as a casual labourer, and soon becoming a regular MPI AP and forklift operator. We are excited that Tim can now help our clients find the right staff for the job, and can share the knowledge he's learnt on the job to train up new faces joining the team.

Quick Fire

- Tim's favourite container - "40ft breadcrumbs"

- Tim's favourite food - "wedges from mighty bites in Christchurch"

- Worst thing found in a container - "full of spiders from California"

- What would you name your forklift - "Connor Gill"

- Least favourite container - "50ft pams"

Welcome Tim!

The MoreStaff Team :)

Toolbox Meeting - 11 May 2021

Tue, 11 May 2021 05:51:08 GMT

Slip Hazards - Managing risk and reefer containers

Slip hazards occur when you, or someone else loses traction with the ground.

This is often caused by the following:

- Inappropriate footwear (lack of thread on work boots)

- Walking on slippery surfaces (wet, greasy or icy)

- Smooth or highly polished grounds

You may find slip hazards when working inside a 'reefer', otherwise known as chilled or frozen containers. These containers are often kept at a low temperature, to ensure the product inside doesn't perish.

Ways to mitigate risk:

- Avoid excess movement

- Make sure your work boots have adequate thread on the outer sole

- Keep both hands free to help with balance

- Take small steps, keeping your centre of gravity underneath you

- Do not rush or cut corners

- Use handrails wherever possible, or if there are none us the sides of the container as support

- Monitor your fatigue

Toolbox Meeting - 5th May 2021

Tue, 04 May 2021 21:30:42 GMT

Exiting the container
5.May.2021

When devanning a shipping container, after completing a pallet exit the shipping container before the forklift operator enters the container, and stand in the 'safe zone' until it is safe to re-enter.

Safe Zone:

When you have exit the container, stand at least 2 metres, or a safe distance away from the forklift's traffic flow. You should be in eye sight of the forklift, avoid standing in 'blind spots', and keep an eye on the forklift at all times whilst it is operating in your workspace.

This helps to mitigate the following risks:

- Crushing hazard, if the forklift driver doesn't brake properly you could be crushed between the pallet and the product, or the side of the container.

- Toxicity hazard of inhaling fumes from a LPG or fuel powered forklift, which will be emitted inside a container which is a confined space.

- Falling product hazards, the weight of the forklift entering the container could shake the container, causing loose product to fall. There is also the risk that when the forklift lifts up the pallet, the stacked product could fall from the pallet.