Nine To Noon for Wednesday 23 August 2023

 

09:05 Slow progress to reinspect businesses putting tradies at high risk of silica dust exposure

Frustrations are building over slow progress to reassess manufacturers deemed to be putting tradies at high risk of silica dust exposure. Fatal lung disease silicosis can develop after breathing in silica dust when dry-cutting artificial stone - the type used for kitchen benchtops.  In February this year, WorkSafe identified 78 businesses who were not compliant with protective measures to keep workers safe from silica dust inhalation. But as of July 31st, only 17 reassessment visits had been completed, and of those, some were still not effectively managing risks. In 2020, ACC developed a tool to identify people at risk of accelerated silicosis. As of August 1st, it had 190 claims lodged for assessment. The Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU) has written to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety pushing for more urgency on the issue, saying the current arrangements fail to keep workers safe. In a response the Minister says it's increasingly clear it's an issue, but WorkSafe is taking a stricter approach to enforcement. Professor Lin Fritschi was active in the campaign to ban silica products in Australia - a move it is now fast-tracking, becoming the first country in the world to do so. Professor Fritschi and NZCTU president Richard Wagstaff speak with Kathryn Ryan.

09:25 Female birthing simulator helps train clinicians at Wellington hospital

A new technology that enables doctors to simulate real life operations and emergency procedures has been introduced at Wellington Hospital. The life-like mannequins can simulate real human physiological and emotional responses. Kathryn speaks with Dr Rose Elder, Wellington District's clinical lead of obstetrics, who says "Maia", a female birthing simulator, is being used to train medical staff.

09:30 Dunedin pupils impress judges at science fair 

Two students at a school science fair in Dunedin have stunned the judges with their projects. Taking out the top prize at the Aurora Energy Otago Science and Technology Fair was Megha Senthilkumar, a year 11 student at St Hilda's Collegiate. She had designed and carried out a nationwide study on how sleep affects adolescent pupils. Her project was so impressive, the judges wanted to recommend her for a Prime Minister's prize, but she's too young to be eligible. Meanwhile Adam Ludgate, a year 9 pupil John McGlashan College discovered two planetary nebulas, winning the most promising year 9-13 scientist award. His project was so advanced, the judges needed help from an astrophysicist to assess his project. Kathryn speaks to the students about their projects. 

09:45 Australia: Labor's national conference, $3b new home bonus, new Sydney airport woes

Australia correspondent Bernard Keane joins Kathryn to look at what was discussed at the 49th national Labor conference, particularly in regard to the AUKUS agreement. Not all in the party are convinced by reassurances on non-nuclear proliferation and waste. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also announced a $3b bonus to states and territories if they reached a target of 1.2m new homes over five years. Meanwhile the new no-curfew Western Sydney Airport which is due for completion in 2026 is at risk of opening without links for travellers and workers because of issues with funding. 

10:05 Tips for coping with life's ups and downs 

Sometimes, shit happens. Ups and downs are a part of life, whether it's dealing with grief, a break-up, losing a job, an accident, or a global pandemic. We can't control what happens to us but we can learn to control how we respond to it. Kyle MacDonald is a pyschotherapist with over 20 years experience. He writes a weekly column about mental health in the NZ Herald, and co-hosts an award-winning radio programme, The Nutters Club. In his first book, Shit Happens: Lessons for dealing with life's ups and downs, Kyle MacDonald brings together the concepts he uses in his practice to help people through the tough times. 

10:35 Book review: Normal Rules Don't Apply by Kate Atkinson 

Louise O'Brien reviews Normal Rules Don't Apply by Kate Atkinson published by Penguin Random House 

10:45 Around the motu: Alisha Evans in Tauranga

Western Bay of Plenty Local Democracy reporter Alisha Evans is in Tauranga, where a judge has ordered a rottweiler that bit a vet be put down, following a lengthy court battle. And Western Bay of Plenty is getting Māori wards next election, after a 12 year battle. It was a split vote, with three councillors against them. Meanwhile an ex-councillor has been thrown out of a meeting about the proposed Tauranga Stadium for being "disorderly". Murray Guy interrupted from the public gallery. Finally, an apology from a quiz team for dressing in Ku Klux Klan outfits at Kaimai community fundraiser.

11:05 Music for a rainy day

Music commentator Kirsten Zemke shares some tunes that celebrate the rain, from Eddie Rabbitt's I Love a Rainy Night to Prince's Purple Rain. 

Kirsten Zemke is an ethnomusicologist at the University of Auckland's School of Social Sciences.

11:30 Technology to help people living with a range of disabilities

Workbridge Chief Executive Jonathan Mosen talks about the advances in technology in assisting people living with disabilities - and his bugbear that simple household appliances have failed to keep up.

11:45 Science: Winning tickets, Beethoven's genome, brain wave music

Science commentator Allan Blackman joins Kathryn with three great studies - one that details how many lottery tickets you'd need to buy in order to guarantee a win, another that has uncovered details about Beethoven's health through just a simple lock of his hair and how scientists reconstructed a Pink Floyd song just by using patients' brainwaves.

Allan Blackman is a Professor of Chemistry, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology.