3799 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety

3799 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: What progress has been made in the last quarter (October to December 2023) for ‘WorkSafe to develop a work-related cancer programme as part of the cancer action plan’ under Outcome 3: New Zealanders have fewer cancers, as part of the New Zealand Cancer Action Plan 2019 – 2029?

Hon Brooke van Velden: I am advised that WorkSafe New Zealand developed the Carcinogens and Airborne Risks Programme to address work-related cancers, respiratory and other diseases. That programme was accepted in 2019 by the Ministry of Health and Te Aho o Te Kahu (the Cancer Control Agency) as the workplace component of Outcome 3: New Zealanders have fewer cancers, as part of the New Zealand Cancer Action Plan 2019 – 2029.  In the last quarter (October to December 2023) under the Carcinogens and Airborne Risks Programme, WorkSafe has:  - developed a Health Assessment Resources Portal with resources for internal staff to support businesses to manage the risks from workplace carcinogens.  - undertaken inspector visits to high-risk engineered stone businesses to ensure they are effectively managing the risk of cancers and respiratory disease in their workers.   - supported businesses to manage asbestos risks by engaging with public sector organisations (including local government) with significant asbestos estates, engaging with property managers, and updating asbestos risk management guidance for homeowners.  - progressed development of a health risk assessment tool to support businesses to identify and prioritise control of workplace carcinogens.