General Publications
Department of Labour Annual Report 2006
Appendix 1 - Fatal workplace accidents
Fatal accidents are one of the many indicators of occupational health and safety trends investigated and monitored by the Department. It is an important indicator to report in terms of its enormous social impact and resource commitment. However, on its own, the number of fatalities investigated by the Department is not a reliable guide to levels of safety performance in the workplace now or over time.
In 2005/06, the Department commenced investigations of 65 workplace deaths, including the deaths of three bystanders (one customer and two visitors). This figure is similar to the average in previous years, after a significantly lower number (46) for the 2004/05 year.
In the agricultural sector, vehicle accidents, especially tractors and all-terrain vehicles (“ATV”), continue to be the leading cause of serious injury and death, accounting for more than half of the fatal accidents in that sector. Two fatal ATV accidents occurred this year, compared to five in the previous year, two in 2003/04 and seven in 2001/02.
In the construction industry, falls from heights increased to seven compared to none the previous year, two in 2003/04 and six in 2001/02.
A high proportion of fatal accidents occur in the general industrial and commercial sector category, comprising a wide range of workplaces. The accident causes in this category are correspondingly diverse, although there was an increase in vehicle accidents and deaths from crushing accidents this year compared to previous years.
Across all sectors, there was a summer peak in fatal accidents. A summer peak is evident over each of the previous five years. Further research is planned to establish a clearer understanding about the reason for this increased seasonal incidence, with a view to developing more effective preventive strategies.
Data limitations:
It is important to note that the workplace fatality investigation statistics collated by the Department are administrative statistics arising from coverage of the Health and Safety in Employment Act. They do not purport to give an accurate measure of New Zealand’s workplace fatalities as a whole. These figures reflect only the workplace deaths investigated by the Department of Labour, which are deaths arising from sudden incidents. Deaths from occupational illness are not included in this figure. Not all sudden workplace deaths are investigated by the Department: Maritime Safety New Zealand and the Civil Aviation Authority maintain their own records for deaths on ships and aircraft. The Police Commercial Vehicle Inspection Unit investigates work-related deaths involving commercial vehicles on the road. Other work-related deaths while driving on the road may not be reported to the Department.
Fatal Accidents Investigated During 2005/06
65 fatal accidents were investigated during 2005/06.
Agriculture
| Cause | No. |
|---|---|
| Tractor accident | 5 |
| Other vehicle accidents | 3 |
| All Terrain Vehicle accident ("quadbikes") | 2 |
| Crushing injuries | 1 |
| Machinery accident | 1 |
| Drowning | 1 |
| Tree felling | 1 |
| Fall from height | 1 |
| Hit by animal | 1 |
| Workshop | 1 |
| Total | 17 |
Construction
| Cause | No. |
|---|---|
| Fall from height | 7 |
| Vehicle accident | 3 |
| Electrocution | 2 |
| Machinery accident | 1 |
| Crane | 1 |
| Total | 14 |
Extractives
| Cause | No. |
|---|---|
| Drowning | 1 |
| Total | 1 |
Forestry
| Cause | No. |
|---|---|
| Vehicle accident | 2 |
| Tree felling | 3 |
| Hit by log | 2 |
| Total | 7 |
Industrial/Commercial
| Cause | No. |
|---|---|
| Vehicle accident | 10 |
| Crushing injuries | 7 |
| Forklift accident | 3 |
| Fall from height | 2 |
| Rail accident | 1 |
| Volcanic eruption | 1 |
| Rest home accident | 1 |
| Machinery accident | 1 |
| Total | 26 |
Source: Workplace health and safety fatal accident register.
The statistics published in this annual report may differ from those published on the Department of Labour’s website for the same period because further information about fatalities for the period may have become available after publication of the annual report. The statistics on the website are updated if additional information becomes available following subsequent enquiries.
Fatal Accidents Investigated - 3 Year Comparison
Number of fatal accidents investigated
| Period | 2005/06 | 2004/05 | 2003/04 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | 17 (10 vehicle accidents) |
24 (20 vehicle accidents) |
15 (9 vehicle accidents) |
| Construction | 14 (7 from a fall) |
5 (0 from a fall) |
6 (1 from a fall) |
| Extractives | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Forestry | 7 | 1 | 9 |
| Industrial/ Commercial | 26 (10 vehicle accidents) |
16 (2 vehicle accidents) |
30 (6 vehicle accidents) |
| Total | 65 | 47 | 62 |
Source: Workplace health and safety fatal accident register.
The statistics published in this annual report may differ from those published on the Department of Labour’s website for the same period because further information about fatalities for the period may have become available after publication of the annual report. The statistics on the website are updated if additional information becomes available following subsequent enquiries.
Victim Status - 3 Year Comparison
| Period | 2005/06 | 2004/05 | 2003/04 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee | 51 | 28 | 38 |
| Self-Employed | 11 | 11 | 10 |
| "Bystander" | 3 | 8 | 14 |
| Total | 65 | 47 | 62 |
| Under 18* | 3 | 3 | 6 |
* Under 18 included in prior totals
Source: Workplace health and safety fatal accident register.
The statistics published in this annual report may differ from those published on the Department of Labour’s website for the same period because further information about fatalities for the period may have become available after publication of the annual report. The statistics on the website are updated if additional information becomes available following subsequent enquiries.