More information about accelerated silicosis and further detail about the Government's response.

WorkSafe, ACC and the Ministry of Health have worked together since 2019 on a health assessment pathway to support the delivery of consistent prevention, assessment and treatment services across the country for engineered stone workers. The process starts with a health check appointment with a General Practitioner (GP).

Each agency has a role to play in the prevention, identification, diagnosis, and care process.

WorkSafe

All businesses working with engineered stone must manage the risks in their workplace and ensure effective controls are in place to protect workers.

Since 2019, WorkSafe has been visiting businesses working with engineered stone to ensure the risks in the workplace are being managed effectively and appropriate controls are in place to protect workers.

Since the Accelerated Silicosis Assessment Pathway(external link) was implemented in September 2020, inspectors have also provided information to workers on the health check available to them.

Inspectors:

• ensure businesses understand the risks to health from respirable crystalline silica dust
• undertake workplace assessments to ensure effective workplace controls continue to be in place
• advise businesses on using competent exposure and health monitoring advisors
• issue notices where necessary to improve workplace practices
• provide workers and businesses with information about the accelerated silicosis assessment pathway and how to get a health check.

Ministry of Health

There is now a process for medical professionals to identify and assess people who may be at risk of accelerated silicosis. For more information see the accelerated silicosis page on Health New Zealand’s website(external link)

ACC

Work-related accelerated silicosis can be covered by an ACC claim. If you are diagnosed by a medical practitioner, and your claim is accepted, you will receive support. For more information see the accelerated silicosis page on ACC’s website(external link)