WorkSafe, in collaboration with the Occupational Integrated Database Exposure Assessment System (OccIDEAS) team and Research New Zealand, conducted the New Zealand Carcinogens Survey to estimate the current exposure to carcinogens among New Zealand workers.

Carcinogens are agents that, according to research, are known or likely to cause cancer in humans. In New Zealand, carcinogens and airborne substances are probably associated with one-third of work-related harms. Cancer and respiratory diseases contribute to 70% of all work-related deaths.

Findings from the survey will support the Government Health and Safety at Work Strategy 2018–2028(external link) and WorkSafe's carcinogens and airborne risks programme.