KiwiRail shift workers concerned over melatonin ban

RNZ News

14-07-2025

KiwiRail has banned the use of melatonin for approximately 2,500 of its workers, citing safety concerns. In a memo to staff last month, the State Owned Enterprise said - effective immediately - any staff that were undertaking safety critical work and were taking melatonin or zopiclone would be stood down temporarily and assessed accordingly. It said this was based off a recommendation from its Chief Medical Officer, who had considered the clinical evidence and what was done in comparable industries. The Rail and Maritime Union says it was not consulted on the changes, and the inability for members - many of whom are shift workers - to use medication to help them get to sleep is a serious problem. It is also seeking more information about the evidence cited - especially for melatonin - which is a naturally produced hormone, and helps people get to sleep - rather than a medication which forces someone to stay asleep. It comes as the Government moves to make melatonin easily accessible. Rail and Maritime Union health and safety organiser Karen Fletcher and University of Auckland Associate Professor Guy Warman discuss.
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