From the Editor

Abstract

Welcome to the mid-year edition of New Zealand Journal of Health and Safety Practice bring us to eight editions since April 2024. As usual, we are a “diamond open access” journal. For an explanation of this status see an article by Schmidt, Thomas and Vaucher recently published by The Conversation.

The articles in this edition cover a range of subjects, some of long-standing concern and some current issues.

We open with an editorial opinion piece from Rob Birnie examining issues associated with artificial intelligence, a subject that was science fiction for most of us three years ago. It is now of considerable importance for the trustworthiness of our evidence and our advice to management. A Newsroom article shows how inappropriate use of AI can cause controversy when – if – it is discovered.

I look forward to more articles covering this important issue.

Nicola Noble shows us a different perspective on cultural issues due to AI for Māori people. Sural & Pool also address cultural safety and the role of patient-facing administrative staff in hospitals.

Karen Messing reminds us of hidden workplace harm for women and hints at research in Canada for more than 40 years – another area that demands applied research here.

Nic Steen writes about the subject of safety leadership, culture and the moral imperative for senior leaders (a subject that one of our PhD students is researching). We are reminded of the ignorance of the Pike River board before the mine exploded in 2010. While such ignorance is, theoretically, covered by the due diligence requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act, Nic takes us beyond compliance.

The first article submitted to the journal from Kerry Chung was about occupational hygiene. Arfaj, Llamas & Ghanim report on dermal and inhalation exposure in a petroleum laboratory. Reminding us to consider workers who work in “backroom” areas.

A long-standing issue includes asbestos. Mduduzi Ndhlovu completed his PhD at Curtin University as part of training in occupational hygiene and reports on risk perception and remuneration of asbestos removal workers in New Zealand.

Two articles still in copy editing will be added when completed and I hope to publish a special edition on due diligence before the HASANZ conference. As usual, most of the conference abstracts will be published in the journal.