Have your say on ACC occupational diseases list

Public consultation opened on 5 April 2023 and closes on 17 May 2023.

The list of occupational diseases in Schedule 2 of the Accident Compensation Act offers a streamlined route for people to access ACC cover. It was last updated in 2008.

Public consultation is part of the new framework for more regularly reviewing Schedule 2 to make sure it reflects New Zealand workers’ experience and the latest research on occupational health.

Cover for occupational disease is a fundamental part of the Accident Compensation Scheme. It is a requirement under the International Labour Organization’s Convention 42, to which Aotearoa New Zealand is a party. This acknowledges workers may have little control over work tasks or environments that cause disease, illness or injury and that some conditions may develop over time.

People or groups making a submission through the consultation can suggest extra diseases to include or other employment tasks or environments linked to a disease already on the list, and they will need to provide supporting research.

Any updates to Schedule 2 will be decided later this year with the review process also including an assessment by independent researchers and medical experts.

Submissions are due by 5pm on 17 May 2023.