KiwiRail deems melatonin and Zopiclone incompatible with safety-critical work
KiwiRail has clarified its position on the use of melatonin and Zopiclone following reports of a ban on workers using the medications due to safety concerns.
"It is not a ban, but those medications cannot be used before or during safety-critical work due to risk of impairment, without an assessment by a Rail Medical Officer (RMO)," a KiwiRail spokesperson told HRD.
"As with all medical consultations, the RMO will consider other health factors in making decisions regarding a particular individual."
Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps induce sleep, and may be used to treat insomnia and jetlag. Zopiclone is also a medication used to treat insomnia.
The KiwiRail spokesperson said its Chief Medical Officer independently reviewed the use of these medications by safety-critical workers, taking into account medical evidence and regulatory practices in rail and other comparable industries.
"Based on this assessment, the Chief Medical Officer has determined that neither medication is compatible with safety-critical work at KiwiRail," the spokesperson said.
KiwiRail's medical standards
The statement comes after the Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) previously told Radio New Zealand that some workers have been stood down temporarily for taking melatonin or Zopiclone.
The RMTU told RNZ that staff covered by the directive are frontline employees who operate heavy machinery and rely on melatonin or Zopiclone to help them sleep.
"They take it to be fit for work because if they don't sleep, they're at risk of working in a fatigued state," RMTU health and safety organiser Karen Fletcher said as quoted by RNZ.
According to KiwiRail's spokesperson, its medical standards require all safety-critical workers to declare prescription and over-the-counter medications to allow RMOs to assess potential safety impacts and provide appropriate advice.
"KiwiRail workers in safety-critical roles, including those who drive trains, are required to notify their managers or supervisors of any factors which may impair their ability to perform their duties safely, including medical matters," it added.
"There have been no recent changes to either our Fitness for Work Policy or our medical standards."
The union also previously called out KiwiRail for not consulting with them before implementing its policy.
"What will happen to our members if they're unable to transition off these meds that they've been using for decades in some cases?" Fletcher said.
The KiwiRail spokesperson said they have met with the RMTU today to discuss the company's Fitness for Work policy.
"We will continue to engage with them," the spokesperson added.
