Action call on workplace deaths

The Department of Labour yesterday called for improvements in workplace safety after a sharp rise in the number of deaths reversing a recent downward trend.

The department investigated 65 workplace deaths in the year ended June 2006 after a steady drop in numbers from 73 in 2001-2002 to 47 in 2004-05.

Department workplace deputy secretary Andrew Annakin said this downward trend had occurred despite the large growth in employment.

"The workforce grew by 316,000 people between March 2000 and March 2006 - an increase of 18 per cent."

The 65 victims in 2005-06 ranged in age from two to 92. All but five were men. Three were visitors or bystanders to a workplace, and 11 were self-employed.

A disturbing feature of these fatalities was the number of vehicles and machinery crashing or overturning. Lives could be saved by using precautions such as roll-over protection structures, seatbelts on tractors and farm vehicles and wearing approved helmets on farm bikes and all terrain vehicles.

The figures show there were 26 workplace deaths in the industrial and commercial sector, 17 in agriculture, 7 in forestry and the first mining fatality in four years.

Mr Annakin said many workplace fatalities were preventable and one workplace death was too many.

He called on businesses and workers to make health and safety improvements in the workplace a priority this year.

"New Zealand workplaces have been making valuable improvements in health and safety - we want to see that momentum continued. We don't want to see complacency setting in."

Businesses should view good health and safety systems as an investment. The death or injury of a worker can have a massive cost, both human and financial, Mr Annakin said.

"This includes the loss of productivity through lost skills and experience, effects on staff morale and confidence, and possible fines. The loss of loved ones, the suffering of family and friends, and the wider social impacts are immeasurable."

- NZPA