On 30 June 2025, WorkSafe was notified of a potential health risk involving imported materials, which may contain asbestos, used in the production of fire safety doors.

In response, we alerted the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), which is coordinating with other government agencies, and commenced a targeted health and safety response.

WorkSafe inspectors conducted urgent assessments at two companies — one of which was Pacific Door Systems Ltd (PDS). As a result, PDS sites in Wellington and Timaru were closed temporarily while they safely removed any asbestos-containing material and have since received independent clearance certificates and deemed safe for workers to return. Since then, we have conducted a number of site visits with different companies where we have been notified of similar concerns.

WorkSafe has also been made aware of a Brisbane-based company, Firemex, that has supplied asbestos-contaminated fire doors directly into New Zealand. We are also looking into reports of further suppliers of asbestos-containing materials relating to fire safety doors. We are engaging with relevant parties and MBIE to ensure we give them health and safety advice.

As the work health and safety regulator, WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses and workers to ensure their work is healthy and safe. We also work with businesses and organisations to ensure they understand their obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and, in this context, relevant asbestos regulations.

Asbestos advice pack

This advice pack has information on safe practices for identifying, installing, and disposal of asbestos, health advice, WorkSafe's position on further testing, and frequently asked questions. 

Health advice

We continue to provide advice to companies and end-users concerned about their staff being exposed to asbestos, to consult an Occupational Medicine Physician or equivalent specialist. These professionals are best equipped to assess, educate, and support workers who may have been exposed to asbestos-related health risks. We also continue to advise companies that have any concerns regarding the safe storage, handling and disposal of asbestos-containing materials or products.

For further guidance, we recommend the following resources: 

• Occupational Medicine Experts – Work & Health – New Zealand | Healthpages (external link)
• Find an Occupational Health & Wellbeing Professional – Australian and New Zealand Society of Occupational Medicine (external link)
• Exposure monitoring and health monitoring – guidance for businesses