Resolve Group’s Managing Director, Martin Leak, next to the Golden Gate Bridge Movable Lane Barrier

Constructed in the 1930s and first opened to traffic in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge has coped extremely well with the years. Soundly engineered, it has withstood earthquakes as well as a massive increase in vehicle traffic volumes. The bridge currently carries some 110,000 vehicles per day, with that volume projected to rise to 138,000 vehicles per day by 2038. Maximising the capacity of the bridge, which carries heavier commuter traffic flows into San Francisco in the morning, and greater volumes out of the city in the evening, was seen as vital. Also crucial was the need to improve safety for vehicle occupants using the bridge, due to the lack of a centre lane dividing barrier.

With teams of contractors and bridge staff working over the weekend, and every step carefully planned and implemented, the installation went like clockwork and the bridge opened hours ahead of the scheduled 4am deadline. Thousands of cyclists and pedestrians turned out to view the progress of the installation from the bridge’s sidewalks, which remained open throughout.

The Health and Safety Reform Bill, which will take effect later this year, will replace the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 and the Machinery Act 1950. The legislation will change obligations under the Health and Safety Reform Bill and will affect designers, project managers, technical advisors, asset owners, operators, manufacturers, suppliers, importers and consultants.

On June 24, Resolve Group’s Mark Armstrong attended a speech by Wendi Croft, Safety Environment and Resilience Lead for AECOM New Zealand, in which she explored case law and experiences from around the globe, discussed the context of the change for us here in New Zealand, and interrogated the intent of the regulator in this significant shift. She also explored the thinking behind the change in risk management principles, provided a deeper understanding of ‘reasonably practicable’ in the new law, clarified the proposed requirements for design, discussed our liability and obligations to others as part of our daily practice, and found the true intent of the collaboration, design and whole of life aspects of the Health and Safety Reform Bill.

The most recent Health and Safety Reform Bill update can be found here.