Media Release

22 December 2008

As this year’s work activities wind down it’s time to think about making our workplaces safer in the New Year.

“For most of us January is the time for fun in the outdoors. Tragically it is also the deadliest month in New Zealand workplaces,” says the Department of Labour’s head of Workplace Health and Safety, Craig Armitage.

Research by the Department into 362 workplace fatalities for the six years from 2000 to 2005 showed that the rate of workplace fatalities was higher during summer and autumn, with a peak in January. More recent statistics confirm the trend.

Seven factors were identified as directly contributing to the fatalities. They were:

• Human error
• Not following accepted procedures
• Poor workplace design
• Poor safety culture
• Lack of personal protective equipment
• Lack of experience

The research found that increases in summertime workplace fatalities can essentially be explained by seasonal variations in the agriculture industry, the industry with the highest fatality rate.

Other key research findings include: workers aged between 45 and 54 are most at risk and there are two peak times when work-related fatal accidents are most likely to occur – late morning and mid afternoon.

Riding an off road vehicle was found to be the most dangerous activity – 52 percent of work-related fatalities involved a vehicle “off road”.

The Department of Labour is running a public awareness campaign aimed at reducing the death toll in our workplaces during these high risk months.

“The loss of loved ones, the suffering of family and friends and the wider social and economic impacts of workplace deaths are immeasurable - that’s why our campaign will focus on the message of ‘taking care’ so workers come home safely,” Mr Armitage says.

“As well as the human toll from deaths and serious injuries in our workplaces, there are also huge financial implications for loved ones, businesses and the wider community.

“Having a safe workplace makes good business sense. Research shows safe workplaces are more productive workplaces.

“As we think about the coming year and our New Year’s resolutions it’s time for us all to think about how we can take care to ensure our workplaces are safer places to be in 2009.”

To read the full report go to: http://www.dol.govt.nz/publications/general/gen-workplace-fatalities.asp

ENDS

Editor’s Note
Please note that health and safety services, formerly referred to as Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) should now be referred to as the Department of Labour.

Media contact 0274 422141 or media@dol.govt.nz.