Workplace Exposure Monitoring in New Zealand: The 6 Things You Need to Know


Workplace exposure monitoring In NZ is the detection and assessment of chemical, biological, or radiological agents within a workplace. It is a key risk management process used in regulated industries such as health care, manufacturing, and agriculture. New Zealand has recently passed legislation requiring certain employers to implement workplace exposure monitoring (WEM). This blog will discuss WEM in general, outline the six things you need to know about the law, explain what impact WEM may have on your business, and provide some useful resources for further reading.

This article tips about workplace exposure monitoring in New Zealand

What is workplace exposure monitoring?

WEM is a process that allows organizations to identify and manage risks to employees at work. It involves the collection, analysis, and communication of data about chemical, biological, and radiation hazards. This data can then be used to evaluate the risks of exposure to chemicals, either at work or during leisure activities. The intent of this process is to ensure that employees are not exposed to hazardous substances that may cause harm. The primary way that WEM can identify hazards is by collecting data about chemicals. This includes information about the concentration of substances, the duration of exposure, the route of exposure, and the symptoms of exposure. WEM can also be used to identify radiation hazards. This includes the amount of radiation that employees are exposed to and the potential health hazards of this exposure.

What’s new about New Zealand’s WEM law?

In November 2018, New Zealand implemented legislative changes to its WorkSafe Workplace Exposure Monitoring (WEM) Act 2018, which requires certain employers to implement WEM. The WEM Act 2018 has been in place since April of this year and a new law came into effect on 1 November 2018. The law requires certain employers to implement WEM. The new law replaces the former WEM Act 1990, which was enacted in 1989. The new law comes into effect on 1 May 2020 and the main changes are outlined below. First, the WEM Act 2018 updated the definition of “employer” to include any person who controls the occupational exposure of an employee. This means that any person who controls the occupational exposure of an employee, such as employers, consultants, contractors, or suppliers, would be required to implement WEM if they have 10 or more employees. Second, the WEM Act 2018 added a new section to the law, which makes it a criminal offense to fail to comply with the WEM Act 2018. If an employer is found to have failed to comply with the law under a summary conviction or District Court proceeding, they may be liable for a fine or a term of imprisonment.

How does WEM work?

The primary way that WEM can identify hazards is by collecting data about chemicals. This includes information about the concentration of substances, the duration of exposure, the route of exposure, and the symptoms of exposure. WEM can also be used to identify radiation hazards. This includes the amount of radiation that employees are exposed to and the potential health hazards of this exposure. To measure chemical exposure, WEM uses sensors placed throughout a workplace to detect the presence of chemicals. Common types of sensors used for WEM include handheld sensors, walk-through detectors, and room-scale monitors. Where sensors are used, the data is then transmitted to the WEM system, which records the data and stores it in a database. In addition, the system delivers real-time alerts to employees and managers, who can then use this data to manage the workplace. Before WEM can be implemented, employers must comply with certain regulations. The system must be approved by a government-regulated body such as a health or safety authority or the Inland Revenue Department, and the system must be certified to a specific standard. The system must also comply with mandatory certification requirements, such as having a security policy and data protection policy.

How do you measure workplace exposure?

Before collecting data about the workplace, employers must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2005 and the WorkSafe Workplace Exposure Monitoring Act 2018. These laws ensure that workplaces are safe for employees and set out the responsibilities of employers. After completing these requirements, employers must then implement an appropriate WEM system. This system must include a WEM policy and procedure, training, and supervision. WEM policy should include how and when employees will be trained on how to use the WEM system, how WEM data will be collected, and what data will be collected.

Three reasons why some businesses may choose not to implement WEM

  • Risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. If an employer suspects that employees are being exposed to harmful chemicals, WEM can help identify these risks.
  • Liability for unknown risks. If an employer uses WEM to identify unknown risks, they may have a legal responsibility to manage these risks. 
  • Cost of implementation. Employers who choose not to implement WEM may not have the resources to implement a WEM system.

Conclusion

Workplace exposure monitoring is often the first step in identifying chemical, biological, or radiological hazards. The law requires certain employers to implement WEM, and WEM can help identify harmful chemicals or radiation in the workplace. When implemented properly, WEM can provide benefits such as:

  • Measuring exposure to harmful chemicals
  • Identifying unknown risks, such as radiation exposure
  • Auditing employee exposure, training, and certification
  • Allowing managers to track employee exposure and assess risks

Improving workplace safety While workplace exposure monitoring can be effective, it is important to understand the implications of this process. Organizations should consider the costs and risks of WEM, and consider alternative methods of risk management before implementing WEM. Employers should also consider the impact of WEM on their employees, as well as their organization.

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