81076 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety

81076 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: What progress, if any, has been made in the quarter July to September 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 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. WorkSafe closed the Carcinogens and Airborne Risks Programme in June 2024. However, addressing risks from workplace carcinogens remains a priority in the four high-risk sectors WorkSafe is focussing on – agriculture, forestry, construction, and manufacturing. In the last quarter July to September 2024, WorkSafe has: • undertaken inspector visits to high-risk engineered stone businesses to ensure they are effectively managing risks to their workers from exposure to respirable crystalline silica, which is a key workplace carcinogen • 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 • supported the Australian Land and Ground Water Association and Wasteminz to develop industry guidance for asbestos contamination • worked with Health New Zealand and FENZ to develop a national asbestos liaison protocol • worked with Site Safe and the Workforce Development Council to develop NZQA asbestos-awareness training to roll out across New Zealand; we are looking at including silica dust in this training.