Comments on: Have mercy on me, a Health & Safety sinner

By: Vince

Vince — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 23:48:19 +0000

This story reminds me of the start of the “Hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy” where Arthur Dent’s house is about to get bulldozed.

By: Olly

Olly — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 01:58:38 +0000

Are we talking about Steel and Tube on Blenheim Road? I have done this several times. I never ask, just say I am walking exactly like you ended up doing. Once over the road I get back on the bike. 6m tubes no problem, but they are friggin heavy. It is such a common problem that I do it by habit everywhere (hardware stores, timber yards, salvage yards etc.) Has only failed me once and that was in Australia.

There are a few yards around Christchurch that are proven to be amused and sympathetic to bike trailer users, but I don’t want to name them here, lest it result in trouble for them.

By: Criggie

Criggie — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 01:39:12 +0000

In reply to Garry.

…so carry the load vertically. No front or back protrusions, and the max height on a vehicle is about 4.5 metres excepting certain low bridges. 14 feet if you’re old enough.

Though bike handling could have become all sorts of fun!

By: Ralph

Ralph — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 21:35:02 +0000

The only problem I would have with your load in the US is that there is no flag at the back. I think if your load sticks out more than 3 ft, 1 meter, you need some kind of flag. Most building supply companies have cheap or no cost ones to hang. Other than that I think you are good to go.

By: Velocipede

Velocipede — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 08:40:45 +0000

In reply to Ewan Sargent.

Well said Ewan: All good, but a flag would have been a very nice and completely considerate addition.

Others have added salient points: loads on roads firstly come under the purview of NZTA, not WorkSafe ("not necessarily, its our motto" R TM) or Health and Safety at Work/In Employment legislation; ACC legislation eliminates the ability to sue anyone in an "accidental" situation, and more besides.

All this comes as rather rich when Steel & Tube have been reported to selling suspect product of late.

By: Ewan Sargent

Ewan Sargent — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 22:07:05 +0000

That was smart thinking to walk away with it. But I would be happier if you had a piece of bright cloth tied at each end as a flag to warn other cyclists and road users how long you are – as a courtesy. If I met you on a cycle path, I would be glad of that. Cheers

By: Garry

Garry — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 11:28:21 +0000

They obviously haven’t seen what gets carried on bicycles in some other countries!
Just a flag or something on both ends would be excellent to indicate the extremities of the object(s).

By: Daniel

Daniel — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 00:44:57 +0000

Your a f***ing Muppet.

By: Robert

Robert — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 20:13:17 +0000

A couple of weeks ago riding along a shared path in Hagley Park I passed a guy who gave the appearance of being a rebuild worker from a far off land . On his carrier was a brand new bike, still in it’s box, a very big box. He was managing, but only just. Welcome to the new Christchurch I thought, a Christchurch I am really starting to enjoy. Great post Steve…

By: Cedric Trounson

Cedric Trounson — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 18:20:16 +0000

The interesting thing that the salesman is obviously unaware of, is that on the road, the worksafe legislation does not apply. A Bicycle has never been deemed as a work place where as the inside of a truck has been. however for activity on the road, nothing to do with worksafe. On the road, the jurisdiction falls under NZTA, police and serious crash unit. If bullshit were tar, he would have been a motorway