Media Release

10 March 2003

Hazardous Substances Inquiry to begin Public Hearings

The Hazardous Substances Inquiry into the health effects of workplace chemicals has received over 120 submissions.

The inquiry is a ministerial inquiry, convened by the Minister of Labour. It was prompted by reports of adverse health consequences that have been experienced by persons who have been known to have worked with, and been exposed to the effects of, certain organic compounds, primarily in the health sector, the printing industry, and the manufacturing sector. Those compounds are the chemicals glutaraldehyde, other aldehydes, and solvents.

'We have received a total of 121 submissions,' said Denis Clifford, who is chairing the inquiry.

'The largest single group of submissions came from nurses and health workers who have recounted the adverse effects of glutaraldehyde.

'There were also a significant number of other submissions dealing both with personal experiences, and from industry and employer representatives on more general topics.'

The Inquiry will now begin a series of public hearings in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

The Inquiry is also considering appropriate arrangements to hear submissions from other locations.

The Inquiry is to hold public hearings in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch. Hearing hours will be 10:00am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm. The timetable for those hearings is set out below:

City	Venue	Dates
Wellington	Turnbull House, 25 Bowen Street	18 March 19 March
Auckland	Auckland Airport Centra, Jean Batten Room 1, Cnr Kirkbridge and Ascot Roads	20 March 21 March
Christchurch	PC Brown Room, Upstairs, Horticultural Hall, Riccarton Ave	24 March

For further information:

Denis Clifford on 04 473 1502 Mobile 021 461 719
Ministerial Inquiry into the Management of Certain Hazardous Substances in Workplaces
OSH, Department of Labour, PO Box 3705, Wellington, New Zealand, Tel 04- 915 4547
Or visit http://www.hazsubstancesinquiry.osh.govt.nz/