New Zealand has more than 2000 public research laboratories — nearly all of which are non-compliant under the present regulations.
Universities New Zealand and the Independent Research Association of New Zealand estimated that, unless changes were made, the cost of compliance was likely to be between $1.5billion and $3billion — a cost that would ultimately be borne by the taxpayer.
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden said the regulations for laboratory work were not fit for purpose and those working in research, teaching and testing laboratories were subject to the same regulatory requirements as industrial operations like petrol refineries.
She said research laboratories used to have their own compliance pathway under a code of practice.
‘‘Today’s issues have arisen because that pathway was removed by regulatory amendments in 2017.
‘‘The government at the time intended to replace the pathway with a better mechanism for laboratories. However, that did not happen, so research laboratories have been bound by overly restrictive rules for nearly a decade.
‘‘Not only are the current rules impractical, in some cases they could end up making laboratory work more dangerous.’’
Ms van Velden said the government was now working on amendments to the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 and expected them to come into force later this year.
‘‘This is part of my wider health and safety system reform, focused on making regulations workable so Kiwis can get on with their work safely without overzealous rules holding them back.’’
University of Otago acting research and innovation deputy vice-chancellor Dr Martin Gagnon welcomed the government’s announcement.
‘‘As one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading research institutions, the university has actively contributed advice and advocacy throughout this review process.
‘‘We have consistently highlighted that laboratories are highly specialised environments with unique risks and that a one-size-fits-all regulatory approach designed for large industrial operations does not always translate safely or sensibly to research settings.’’
The government announcement acknowledged that reality, he said.
‘‘We welcome the move toward a more fit-for-purpose regulatory pathway and look forward to continuing to work with officials and sector partners to help shape a framework that supports safe, world-class research across New Zealand.’’
