New Zealand workplaces urged to do more to protect people from asbestos

Three New Zealand organisations are urging employers and tradies to put in place adequate measures to protect their employees and other people from asbestos.

WorkSafe, the New Zealand Demolition & Asbestos Association (NZDAA) and the Faculty of Asbestos Management of Australia and New Zealand (FAMANZ) have joined hands to encourage businesses to manage asbestos risks.

WorkSafe Chief Executive Phil Parkes said, “It’s our number one work-related killer, with around 220 people dying each year from a preventable asbestos-related disease.”

“What we’re seeing today is the legacy of past exposure to asbestos, often while at work. But action must continue to prevent future illness and death through proper asbestos handling and management.”

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