9 Mar 2015

Canterbury workers to get free health checks

12:52 pm on 9 March 2015

Hundreds of workers in the Canterbury rebuild will get free health checks to help raise awareness about on-site health risks.

Housing damaged by the Christchurch earthquake

Housing damaged by the Christchurch earthquake Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski

WorkSafe New Zealand said about 400 workers would get free health advice and checks during the next two weeks.

WorkSafe's Canterbury Rebuild Health and Saftey director, Kathryn Heiler, said while she was pleased to see construction companies improving their safety initiatives and plans, the 'health' in health and safety was often missing.

She said workers were exposed to many health hazards in their jobs, including dust, noise, asbestos, and exposure to hazardous substances and chemicals.