Guidance making it easier to safely manage and work with asbestos has been published by WorkSafe New Zealand.
Asbestos remains New Zealand’s number one work-related killer, with an estimated 240 people dying each year from preventable asbestos-related diseases.
“Knowing how to identify and manage asbestos safely in homes and buildings is the first step in addressing this issue, which is why it’s important we make asbestos information more accessible for people,” says WorkSafe’s principal advisor asbestos, Rob Birse.
WorkSafe is working closely with industry groups and technical experts to develop the updated guides.
“We have partnered with the industry to deliver targeted asbestos information for specific audiences instead of a one-size-fits-all guidance document. This makes it easier for people to find exactly what they need in a shorter amount of time.”
The first set of WorkSafe’s updated asbestos guidance, now available on our website, is developed for homeowners, commercial and residential landlords, and businesses that come across asbestos.
The guides are a mix of new and updated information, and information that is still relevant from the existing asbestos guidance, including the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP).
Further guides specifically for surveyors, removalists, assessors, and tradies are currently in development and are planned for release in 2025/26.
“The ACOP remains in place until all asbestos guidance have been updated. In the meantime, please refer to both the ACOP and updated guidance to ensure you’re applying best practice when working with or near asbestos,” adds Mr Birse.
As the primary work health and safety regulator, WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses and workers to meet their health and safety responsibilities. A key part of our influencing role is developing and sharing resources to help businesses and workers ensure work is healthy and safe for everyone.
