A recently released indicator report shows while health and safety management is improving, New Zealand can do better to reduce death and injury rates at work.
Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson said, for the first time, key health and safety statistics have been brought together in an annual State of Workplace Health and Safety in New Zealand report. It follows progress in five key areas: (WCxKit)
1. fewer injuries and fatalities;
2. less occupational disease;
3. lower economic cost;
4. improved industry and employee engagement;
5. increased response to government activity;
“This is the first snapshot of the state of workplace health and safety in New Zealand, showing about 9,500 incidents are reported to the Department of Labour annually,” Wilkinson commented. “We want to see that number declining, particularly with regard to serious harm injuries. Over time this report will allow us to better monitor the rate and costs of workplace harm and what effect safety campaigns or initiatives are having.”
The sectors with consistently high work tolls are construction, agriculture, forestry, fishing, and manufacturing – and that’s why the Department of Labour is reportedly developing specific action plans for each industry. The first plan for construction was launched in the last few weeks.
“Today’s report also shows that industry and employee engagement in health and safety is generally high, with most medium to large businesses encouraging employee participation in health and safety and providing training for staff,” Wilkinson added. “We’ve already seen more than 125 leaders from business and government sign up for the Business Leaders Forum with the goal of achieving zero harm workplaces, which is a good start.” (WCxKit)
The report is compiled by the Department of Labour and will be released annually. For further information, visit: http://www.dol.govt.nz/whss/state-of-workplace/index.asp.
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