OSH tells New Zealand "No job is worth dying for"

Monday 5 October 1998

Worker deaths and injuries and their tragic social and economic toll on New Zealand is the focus of the second national WorkSafe Week, which will be launched in Wellington today.

The deaths of 56 New Zealanders in workplaces were investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Service of the Department of Labour (OSH) in the twelve months up to July 1 this year - 15 more than in the previous 12 months. The three highest-risk industries of forestry, farming and construction accounted for 41 of these fatalities.

"Too many widows, widowers and children who have lost parents have been created by fatalities on the job," said OSH spokesperson Lisa-Marie Richan

"Our aim is to have employers, employees, industry and union groups work in partnership with OSH so we can together reduce down to zero the horrendous death rate in this country's workplaces," Ms Richan said.

The Minister for Enterprise and Commerce, Hon Max Bradford, will launch WorkSafe Week at the WestpacTrust Stadium construction site in Wellington at 9 am today.