New Zealand Seeks Feedback on 2024 Workplace Exposure Standards and Biological Exposure Indices

WorkSafe New Zealand has announced the final deadline for submissions on proposed changes to the Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEI) for 2024. Stakeholders have until 30 August 2024, to submit their feedback using the online consultation form only.

What are WES, BEI and PES?

WES (Workplace Exposure Standards): These are guideline values that indicate the airborne concentration of a substance to which almost all workers can be exposed repeatedly without harm. Provided by WorkSafe, WES serve as risk management tools for health risk assessment.

BEI (Biological Exposure Indices): These are guideline values used to assess the results of biological exposure monitoring to help manage the health and safety risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace.

PES (Prescribed Exposure Standards): These are mandatory standards designed to protect the health of workers. Unlike WESs and BEIs, which are guideline values, PESs are mandatory and are set by regulations or specific acts. Currently, ethanedinitrile (EDN) is the only substance in New Zealand with a mandatory PES.

Background to the Consultation

The consultation document supports proposed changes to WorkSafe New Zealand’s special guidance on WES and BEI for 2024. It includes reviews of 58 substances and provides comprehensive recommendations to adopt, maintain or remove specific WES and BEI values.

It’s important to note that unlike prescribed exposure standards (PES), most WES and BEI values are health-based guidelines for risk assessment rather than definitive safe/unsafe thresholds. Therefore, feedback to the consultation should focus on the health aspects of the proposed changes, without considering socio-economic impacts or feasibility.