title: Utilizing IoT in hazardous work environments

authors: Exton, Dylan Tylor

subjects: IoT

abstract: In New Zealand, the forestry industry is one of the most dangerous industries to work in. Workers in the forestry industry are three times more likely to be killed while at work than any other industry in New Zealand (WorkSafe, 2021). Internet of Things (IoT) devices are being leveraged to increase the safety of workers in other industries. However the forestry industry has not adopted this technology. 

This thesis proposes a new IoT solution for safety in the forestry industry, with a primary focus on the forestry task of `breaking-out'. This solution utilizes geofencing and GPS technology to ensure that workers are out of a `danger zone’ when a cable hauler is operating. To implement this solution, two IoT devices were developed: a carried unit which the breaker-outs carry with them, and an in-cab unit which is mounted within the hauler cab. The two units communicate via radio frequency, and a button located on the carried unit allows the workers to set a geofence that outlines the `danger zone'. This allows the cable hauler operator to see the location of all breaker-outs at all times, and be notified when any of them are at risk, i.e. inside the danger zone. 

Two tests were performed to evaluate the viability of this solution for use within the forestry industry. The first test evaluated the technical requirements of the devices, while the second test evaluated the device performance when deployed in an active forestry harvesting operation. While some limitations were found, these tests prove proof-of-concept and illustrate how this solution could be used to mitigate the risk of incidents in the forestry industry.

Finally, the proposed IoT solution can be used for additional applications within other areas of the forestry industry. One such application is that of proximity detection on the skid site. This thesis illustrates how the devices can be used to allow machine operators and workers on the ground to be alerted when they are too close to a machine. This can mitigate the risk of an incident occurring, not just for breaker-outs, but for additional workers across the forestry industry.

text: Utilizing IoT in hazardous work environments In New Zealand, the forestry industry is one of the most dangerous industries to work in. Workers in the forestry industry are three times more likely to be killed while at work than any other industry in New Zealand (WorkSafe, 2021). Internet of Things (IoT) devices are being leveraged to increase the safety of workers in other industries. However the forestry industry has not adopted this technology. 

This thesis proposes a new IoT solution for safety in the forestry industry, with a primary focus on the forestry task of `breaking-out'. This solution utilizes geofencing and GPS technology to ensure that workers are out of a `danger zone’ when a cable hauler is operating. To implement this solution, two IoT devices were developed: a carried unit which the breaker-outs carry with them, and an in-cab unit which is mounted within the hauler cab. The two units communicate via radio frequency, and a button located on the carried unit allows the workers to set a geofence that outlines the `danger zone'. This allows the cable hauler operator to see the location of all breaker-outs at all times, and be notified when any of them are at risk, i.e. inside the danger zone. 

Two tests were performed to evaluate the viability of this solution for use within the forestry industry. The first test evaluated the technical requirements of the devices, while the second test evaluated the device performance when deployed in an active forestry harvesting operation. While some limitations were found, these tests prove proof-of-concept and illustrate how this solution could be used to mitigate the risk of incidents in the forestry industry.

Finally, the proposed IoT solution can be used for additional applications within other areas of the forestry industry. One such application is that of proximity detection on the skid site. This thesis illustrates how the devices can be used to allow machine operators and workers on the ground to be alerted when they are too close to a machine. This can mitigate the risk of an incident occurring, not just for breaker-outs, but for additional workers across the forestry industry.

year: 2021

title: Restoration of Lake Hakanoa: Results of model simulations

authors: Paul, Wendy J.

subjects: Lake Hakanoa

abstract: This report was requested by Waikato District Council. It covers the lake water quality of, and possible restoration scenarios for, Lake Hakanoa a riverine lake situated in Huntly. The lake is used as a recreational resource by the community. In the past it has been reported to have had very poor water quality and is known to be eutrophic. It is currently in an algal-dominated, devegetated state and has low water clarity. The shallowness of this lake makes it potentially susceptible to resuspension of sediments through wind action. A community group, Friends of Hakanoa, has been responsible for the formation of a path around the perimeter of the lake, retiring about 3.6% of the catchment from pastoral farming and creating a riparian margin. Results from more recent reports and this report indicate a trend of improving water quality which may be related to recent restoration actions such as re-establishment of a riparian margin.

text: Restoration of Lake Hakanoa: Results of model simulations This report was requested by Waikato District Council. It covers the lake water quality of, and possible restoration scenarios for, Lake Hakanoa a riverine lake situated in Huntly. The lake is used as a recreational resource by the community. In the past it has been reported to have had very poor water quality and is known to be eutrophic. It is currently in an algal-dominated, devegetated state and has low water clarity. The shallowness of this lake makes it potentially susceptible to resuspension of sediments through wind action. A community group, Friends of Hakanoa, has been responsible for the formation of a path around the perimeter of the lake, retiring about 3.6% of the catchment from pastoral farming and creating a riparian margin. Results from more recent reports and this report indicate a trend of improving water quality which may be related to recent restoration actions such as re-establishment of a riparian margin.

year: 2011-05

title: Changing patterns of Otitis Media in the Waikato region during the Covid Pandemic

authors: Becker, Andre

subjects: COVID-19 pandemic

abstract: Introduction. Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common condition of children encountered in general practice. A proportion of children develop otitis media with effusion (OME), which may require tympanostomy and ventilation tube insertion. Aim. The aim of the study was to compare the incidence of AOM in Māori and New Zealand (NZ) European children in general practice and the referral practices to secondary care for tympanostomy and ventilation tube insertion. Methods. The study was conducted in two parts: (1) an analysis of the incidence of AOM and OME in a rural Waikato general practice (Ōtorohanga) with a high Māori population over a 2-year period; and (2) an analysis of all referrals to the otorhinolaryngology (ORL) department at Waikato District Health Board and tympanostomy and ventilation tube insertion by this service over the same period. Results. The incidence of AOM was similar in Māori compared with NZ European children. The incidence declined significantly between 2019 and 2020 and 50% of children with AOM were treated with antibiotics. Referral rates to the ORL department were greater for Māori compared with NZ European children as were tympanostomy and ventilation tube insertion rates. Discussion. Although AOM is common, OME was rarely diagnosed. The clinical guidelines regarding antibiotic use for common conditions are not being readily adopted and further research is needed into this matter. The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial effect on demand both in general practice and in the hospital sector. This may have been due to a reduction in the incidence of AOM or due to system changes caused by the pandemic.

text: Changing patterns of Otitis Media in the Waikato region during the Covid Pandemic Introduction. Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common condition of children encountered in general practice. A proportion of children develop otitis media with effusion (OME), which may require tympanostomy and ventilation tube insertion. Aim. The aim of the study was to compare the incidence of AOM in Māori and New Zealand (NZ) European children in general practice and the referral practices to secondary care for tympanostomy and ventilation tube insertion. Methods. The study was conducted in two parts: (1) an analysis of the incidence of AOM and OME in a rural Waikato general practice (Ōtorohanga) with a high Māori population over a 2-year period; and (2) an analysis of all referrals to the otorhinolaryngology (ORL) department at Waikato District Health Board and tympanostomy and ventilation tube insertion by this service over the same period. Results. The incidence of AOM was similar in Māori compared with NZ European children. The incidence declined significantly between 2019 and 2020 and 50% of children with AOM were treated with antibiotics. Referral rates to the ORL department were greater for Māori compared with NZ European children as were tympanostomy and ventilation tube insertion rates. Discussion. Although AOM is common, OME was rarely diagnosed. The clinical guidelines regarding antibiotic use for common conditions are not being readily adopted and further research is needed into this matter. The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial effect on demand both in general practice and in the hospital sector. This may have been due to a reduction in the incidence of AOM or due to system changes caused by the pandemic.

year: 2023