Abstract
Introduction According to the Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No.139), each member state shall make efforts to reduce the carcinogenic agents at their workplace. In 2012, the Australian Work Exposures Study estimated that 3.6 million workers (40%) of the working population, were likely exposed to carcinogens in the workplace. In 2013, the Global Burden of Disease Study estimated that there were 314,000 occupational cancer deaths worldwide. Materials and Methods The literature review showed that the most recent and comprehensive analysis of workers being exposed to carcinogens in New Zealand was the “New Zealand Carcinogens Survey 2021” which used the Occupational Integrated Database Exposure Assessment System. It covered 50 carcinogens from Group One and Group 2A (IARC criteria). The methods included cognitive testing, fieldwork, and exposure assessment. Data of 4,500 workers was gathered from January to December 2021. It was then stratified and weighted based on the New Zealand population. In addition, previous reports prepared by the task forces and the Ministry of Labour were reviewed. Results The most common workplace carcinogens were benzene, solar UV, shift work, wood dust, and diesel engine exhaust. More than half of the workforce was probably exposed to at least a single carcinogen at some stage of their work life. Approximately 1/4 of them are likely exposed to up to five carcinogens. Mining was identified to be the most hazardous industry. Conclusions Industries that are likely to cause exposure to multiple carcinogens need to improve workplace practices, implement better controls, and provide awareness to the workers.