Special Support Service for Exposed Timber Workers

Media release
14 August 2009

Embargoed until 7am, 14/8/2009

Special Support Service for Exposed Timber Workers

A consultation document has been released today setting out ideas for a possible support service for former timber workers who were historically exposed to pentachlorophenol (PCP), a timber preservative used in the 1950s to 1980s.

Former timber workers are being asked for their advice on what health – and other – support needs they have and what services they believe should be provided to those who were exposed.

The Ministry of Health has contracted Allen and Clarke Policy and Regulatory Specialists Ltd, a Wellington-based consultancy, to design and consult on options for a support service for those former timber workers who were exposed to significant amounts of PCP.

The health support service options set out in the document include:

• Regular health check-ups provided by GPs
• A facilitation service that would help people access services that they are already entitled to
• Access to health promotion initiatives, such as programmes to reduce cancer risk
• Counselling services
• Tests that screen for dioxin exposure and DNA damage
• Enhanced access to specialists
• Genetic counselling services
• Access to complementary therapies / rongoā.

“No commitment has been made yet on whether a support service will be established” said Allen & Clarke Director, Matthew Allen.

“It is Allen & Clarke’s job to investigate firstly whether there is a significant demand for a new special service, whether existing services could instead meet needs and, if not, what specific services are wanted, needed and likely to be used by former timber workers”.

“We need timber workers from around the country to come forward and tell us what they think: don’t assume that others will do it for you as the more people we hear from, the better picture we get on past exposure as well as needs” Mr Allen said.

The consultation document also sets out a proposed ‘eligible group’ for accessing any health support service that might be established. This comprises those persons who worked in the timber industry for at least five years between 1950 and 1992, in certain jobs where they were highly exposed to PCP.

“The jobs that tended to lead to higher PCP exposure were those where people were directly mixing PCP solutions, handling sludge that settled in the bottom of PCP baths/tanks, other tasks associated with PCP baths/tanks (such as table hands and pullers on the green chain), and/or operating diffusion plants”. Mr Allen said.

People are asked to provide written submissions on whether a service should be provided, and if so, the form of that service by 2 October 2009. Mr Allen said however that people could contact his office at any time during the course of the project to present their views. This can be done by letter, email or by telephone.

“We will also be holding a public meeting in Whakatane on 17th September 2009 to discuss service options. People who are interested in attending that meeting should contact us for details. We may also hold a meeting in Tokoroa if there is sufficient interest and will consider meeting(s) in other locations if there is sufficient demand.” Mr Allen said.

Allen & Clarke is also working closely with Sawmill Workers Against Poisons (SWAP), a Whakatane-based group that advocates for improved support for former timber workers. A proposal for a pilot health programme in Whakatane is currently being developed by SWAP.

Following consultation, Allen & Clarke will undertake further analysis of support service options, including reviewing the practicality, cost and workforce issues associated with delivering services. A final report is due by February 2010. The results of this will be reported to the Ministry who will make the final decision. The results will also be reported back to the community.

ends