Radiology staff at Christchurch Hospital were exposed to toxic industrial chemical fumes from a nearby construction site, leaving one worker hospitalised, officials have confirmed.
Workers reported “a range of symptoms”, including breathing problems, rashes and headaches, said Te Whatu Ora, Te Waipounamu deputy chief executive Martin Keogh.
“The fumes are believed to be hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), which is being used in painting work nearby,” he added.
Exposure to the chemical could irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory tract, causing asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Keogh said he was “deeply concerned” that staff had reported becoming ill.
“One staff member has been hospitalised and others have reported a range of symptoms including breathing problems, rashes and headaches.
“We have not received any reports of any potential exposure for patients, based on the information we have so far.”
He said construction activity at the Christchurch Hospital Campus had been paused until the exact cause was established.
“It will not start again until I am sure that we are providing a safe environment for everyone.”
The issue could have started earlier this year, Keogh said, but a full investigation would establish exact timelines.
“The health and safety of our staff and patients is our top priority and construction work will not resume until we know that the working environment is safe.”
WorkSafe said it was notified on August 30 of the incident and referred it to the work-related health team.
“We are working with Health New Zealand while it carries out an investigation, before determining any next steps,” a spokesperson said.
“WorkSafe is not investigating at this stage.”
