Media Releases
Forestry Workers- "70 x More LIkely to Die at Work"
Wednesday 8 October 1997
Forestry workers involved in logging are 70 times more likely to die on the job than the average New Zealand worker, the Department of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health Service (OSH) announced today.
"Along with the farming and construction industries, forestry is one of the deadliest occupations in the country," said OSH spokesperson Lisa-Marie Richan. "For the 12 months up to July 1 this year, nine forestry workers lost their lives at work. Five forestry workers have died since then."
"Of particular concern are the smaller woodlots that are claiming 12 lives per million cubic metres of wood produced," Ms Richan said. "In addition, the forests of the lower North Island have the highest fatality rate in New Zealand per tonnes produced."
"The main cause of fatalities has been identified as the poor skill of the worker. Otber contributing factors include unacceptable safety culture and practices, workplace behaviours and organisational problems are adding to the death toll."
"As part of our strategic direction launched this week, "Together to Zero: Eliminating Workplace Deaths", OSH is calling on industry, employers, training organisations and unions to work together to wipe out death in New Zealand’s forests," said Ms Richan.
"Only with a concerted joint effort can there be an end to the carnage and its tragic human, social and economic cost."
The Minister of Labour, Hon. Max Bradford, will travel in the WestpacTrust rescue helicopter to Ngaumu Forest in the Wairarapa this afternoon to observe a forestry accident rescue demonstration in conjunction with forestry organisations in the area.
