KiwiRail bans 2500 workers from using certain sleep medications

Tuesday 15 July 2025 · 7 outlets · 3 reports · updated Tue 15 Jul 2025, 6:01pm

In this story KiwiRail

KiwiRail has prohibited approximately 2500 employees in safety-sensitive roles from using melatonin and Zopiclone due to safety concerns. According to union organisers, workers taking these medications will be temporarily stood down. The company's chief medical officer stated these drugs are incompatible with safety-critical work.

How they headlined it

3h

2:46pm5:58pm

1. Otago Daily TimesTue 15 Jul 2025, 2:46pm

   2500 KiwiRail workers banned from using sleep meds (opens in new tab)

2. Waikato Times via RNZTue 15 Jul 2025, 5:58pm

   KiwiRail bans 2500 workers from using melatonin, Zopiclone citing safety concerns (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Press (opens in new tab), RNZ (opens in new tab), NZ Herald (opens in new tab), The Post (opens in new tab)

3. 1News via RNZTue 15 Jul 2025, 6:01pm

   KiwiRail bans 2500 workers from using sleep meds citing safety concerns (opens in new tab)