39099 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety

39099 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: What progress has been made in the last quarter (January to March 2024) 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 has 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 (January to March 2024) under the Carcinogens and Airborne Risks Programme, WorkSafe has: • implemented 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 • issued an updated safety alert on the risk of work with engineered stone and translated it into multiple languages • 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 and other diseases • reviewed the workplace exposure standards for several airborne carcinogens and proposed lower more stringent exposure standards. These are currently out for consultation to the wider public.