Preparing for every eventuality at The Botanic Hibiscus Coast
The Botanic Hibiscus Coast held a simulated crane rescue with MAKO and Fire and Emergency New Zealand to train staff for medical emergencies, reinforcing safety, preparedness, and quick response on site.
To anyone not in the know, it looked like a real-life medical emergency was unfolding at The Botanic Hibiscus Coast recently, but it was an important training exercise to prepare our construction team for an on-site emergency.
Our build partner, MAKO, collaborated with a specialist team from Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) and the local Silverdale FENZ crew to simulate a rescue option to retrieve a crane operator who had suffered a medical event.
“Central to everything we do is built around safety, prevention, and preparedness but if an event occurs that is out of our hands, we need to know how to respond quickly and safely to minimise the risk to life for everyone on site. This event was an extension of our existing Occupational, Safety and Heath work which we are constantly evolving and updating,” says Jeremy Quiding, the Development Manager at The Botanic Silverdale.
The biggest challenge? How could we quickly and safely help the crane operator in such a complex situation? It was an important drill for the 12 FENZ emergency responders who worked alongside our MAKO construction team throughout the day.
Tower cranes, just by their nature, present a unique set of risks to emergency response teams. The rescue plan had to consider a number of challenges including how to create a safe landing zone for the patient, what to do if the crane had a load suspended in the air, and how to quickly position fire appliances and ambulances below.
“These are unique challenges, and they are also site-specific. The Botanic Silverdale is an evolving development so it’s an ever-changing landscape and we have to be able to respond in that environment, irrespective of the complexity of an emergency,” says Quiding.
Some of the Nikau apartment residents had a bird’s eye view from their balconies as the event unfolded on the other side of the village.
It was an eventful day, but most importantly, it reinforced The Botanic and MAKO’s shared commitment to creating a safety-first build environment. Thank you to everyone who helped us to ensure that our people always come first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the recent emergency training exercise at The Botanic Silverdale about?
The Botanic Silverdale recently held a simulated emergency rescue exercise in collaboration with MAKO, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), and the local Silverdale FENZ crew. The training involved a mock scenario to safely retrieve a crane operator who had experienced a medical emergency. The exercise helped ensure that all teams are prepared to respond effectively to real-life situations on site.
Why was this emergency preparedness drill important?
According to Jeremy Quiding, Development Manager at The Botanic Silverdale, safety, prevention, and preparedness are central to everything the team does. The drill was designed to strengthen existing Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) protocols, ensuring that in the event of a real emergency, everyone on site can respond quickly and safely to minimise risks and protect lives.
How does The Botanic Silverdale maintain a safety-first environment during construction?
The Botanic Silverdale and its build partner MAKO are committed to maintaining a safety-first work environment through continuous training, updated safety procedures, and collaboration with emergency services. Regular preparedness exercises, such as the recent crane rescue simulation, ensure that the team remains ready for any situation, reinforcing their commitment to the wellbeing of everyone involved in the development.
