Media Releases
Construction Workers Fall to their Deaths
Tuesday 7 October 1997
Construction deaths have accounted for 21 per cent of investigated workplace fatalities over the last four years the Department of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health Service announced today.
"Construction work ranks alongside forestry and farming as one of the most dangerous occupations in the country," OSH spokesperson Lisa-Marie Richan said today.
"From July 1995 to July 1997, 44 construction workers lost their lives in the workplace." Ms Richan said. "19 of those deaths resulted from falls from heights."
"It is a tragic fact that those working in construction are three times more likely to die on the job than the average New Zealand worker."
"Construction workers also experience higher rates of hearing loss, cancers, and respiratory problems," Ms Richan said.
Worksafe Week 1997 marks the official launch of OSH’s strategic direction, Together to Zero: Eliminating Workplace Death and calls for OSH, industry, employers and unions to unite in an effort to stamp out death at work.
The Health and Safety in Employment Act puts the onus on the employer to take all practicable steps to identify and manage workplace hazards.
"OSH inspectors are targeting construction sites and the common causes of death in those workplaces," Ms Richan said. "OSH is also working with the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), the Master Builders Federation, other industry groups and the ACC towards stamping out the tragic death toll on the work site."
Construction falls demonstrations will take place in Aotea Square, Auckland tomorrow, Thursday and Friday. Other falls and safety demonstrations have been organised by other OSH branches through out the country.
