A report on workplace fatalities has been called for by New Zealand Minister of Labor Kate Wilkinson, after 30 New Zealanders died from accidents on the job between July and November of 2009. In the same five month period in 2007 and 2008, 15 and 18 deaths were recorded, respectively. In December 2009, one additional death, a 38-year-old pulp mill worker, brings the total to 31 for this financial year. All 31 were men.
“I’ve asked the Department of Labor to take a close look at these deaths, whether there is any underlying cause and if so, then what can be done about it,” Wilkinson commented. “It’s not acceptable that 31 families are now without husbands, fathers and brothers. I want to know why and how these men died.
“It may be there were factors outside anyone’s control, but if employers have failed in their obligations to keep their staff safe then they must accept the consequences. At the very least, these deaths must serve as a wake-up call to all employers and workers that health and safety is very serious – complacency and simple mistakes are killing people needlessly.”
Most of the 31 workplace fatalities remain under investigation. The Department was to report back to the Minister with its preliminary findings in less than a month.
According to Wilkinson, “Summer traditionally brings with it a higher number of fatalities, particularly in agriculture, construction and forestry, and its important we combat that.”
The Department has begun a project to reduce the number of fatalities and serious harm in agriculture and horticulture. It is also working closely with businesses to build the leadership on workplace health and safety essential to reducing this toll.
“There’s so much more that can be done by employers, employees and the Department to ensure that workers go home safe each night,” Wilkinson added. (workersxzcompxzkit)
Background Statistics
Although a little frightening to know, it’s important New Zealand employers be aware of these stats.
1. From 1 July 1, 2000 to December 8, 2009: 535 out of 556 deaths (96%) were men.
2. A total of 55 people were killed in the last financial year (08/09) – more than 1 per week – with 53 in 07/08.
3. 14 of the 31 killed this financial year were aged 45-64 — consistently the worst affected demographic group over the past 10 years.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: [email protected] or 860-553-6604.
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