NZ workplace death toll cause for concern

Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson has called for a report on workplace fatalities after 30 New Zealanders died from accidents on the job between July and November this year. In contrast, during the same five-month period in 2007 and 2008, 15 and 18 deaths were recorded respectively.

There has been one death to date in December - a pulp mill worker in Kawerau - taking the total to 31 for this financial year. All 31 were men.

“I've asked the Department of Labour to take a close look at these deaths, whether there is any underlying cause and, if so, then what can be done about it,” said Wilkinson. “It’s not acceptable that 31 families are now without husbands, fathers and brothers.

“I want to know why and how these men died. It may be that there were factors outside anyone’s control, but if employers have failed in their obligations to keep their staff safe, then they must accept the consequences.

“At the very least, these deaths must serve as a wake-up call to all employers and workers that health and safety is very serious - complacency and simple mistakes are killing people needlessly.

“Summer traditionally brings with it a higher number of fatalities, particularly in agriculture, construction and forestry and its important we combat that.”

The Department has begun a project to reduce the number of fatalities and serious harm in agriculture and horticulture. It is also working closely with business to build the leadership on workplace health and safety that is essential to reduce this toll.

From 1 July 2000 to 8 December 2009, 535 out of 556 deaths (96%) were men. A total of 55 people were killed in the last financial year (08/09) - more than one per week - with 53 in 07/08.