{"id":205,"date":"2023-12-04T01:00:13","date_gmt":"2023-12-04T01:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hazardco.com\/nz\/?p=205"},"modified":"2024-08-14T03:27:38","modified_gmt":"2024-08-14T03:27:38","slug":"a-wake-up-call-for-workplace-safety-nz-fatality-rate-is-twice-that-of-australia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hazardco.com\/nz\/blog\/a-wake-up-call-for-workplace-safety-nz-fatality-rate-is-twice-that-of-australia\/","title":{"rendered":"A wake-up call for workplace safety \u2013 NZ fatality rate is twice that of Australia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Given how close we are to our neighbours over the ditch, we compare ourselves to Australia in almost every aspect. From sports and culture to economics and lifestyle, we like to think we can keep up with our big brother and show them a thing or two. However, the stark difference in workplace safety and our fatality rate, in particular, is a wake-up call for everyone working in high-risk industries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On average, there are <\/span>73 work-related deaths in New Zealand each year<\/span><\/a>. Relative to the number of people in employment, the NZ workplace fatality rate is double the Australian rate and hasn’t shifted in many years. The <\/span>NZ rate is similar to those the UK experienced back in the 1980s<\/span><\/a>, making it very clear there is significant room for improvement.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The gap between New Zealand and Australia is consistent across most industries and occupations. Looking at just the construction industry, the <\/span>NZ fatality rate is 4.41 workers in every 100,000<\/span><\/a> compared to<\/span> 2.93 workers in every 100,000 in Australia<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Our workplace injury rates tell a similar story. NZ injury rates reported by ACC have improved over time, however, the <\/span>Australian rate is 25% lower, and the UK is 45% lower.\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Behind these statistics are real people, with families and friends dealing with unimaginable loss when their loved one never returns from work. There is also a very real economic impact, with <\/span>New Zealand\u2019s workplace accidents and deaths costing the country $4.4 billion<\/span><\/a>. If we could improve our workplace safety performance to match that of Australia, we would reduce costs by nearly $1 billion each year.\u00a0 <\/span>With 137,939 people out of work in 2022<\/span><\/a> and receiving weekly compensation from ACC, our high injury rate is also contributing to labour shortage issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why do workplace fatalities happen at twice the rate in NZ?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The <\/span>2023 State of a Thriving Nation report<\/span><\/a> says that experts have identified \u201cseveral factors generate more heat in the system overseas.\u201d For example, in both Australia and the UK, the regulatory environment sets clearer expectations and is firm with enforcement. Australia also has more active trade unions and invests more in new technology.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As a business owner or tradie on the tools, what should I focus on?<\/b><\/h2>\n

New Zealand’s workplace fatality statistics are a wake-up call for everyone working in the construction industry, an area that accounts for a large proportion of all fatalities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The best way to reduce fatalities is to Plan, Do, Check, Act.\u00a0 Focus on the risks on-site which could cause a fatality or a life-altering injury. They are the ones that you want to manage first. Remember, managing risks is more than just using PPE or putting in an administration control.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking at<\/b> NZ construction industry safety statistics over the last five years<\/b><\/a>, the areas that contribute to the greatest number of fatalities are;<\/b><\/p>\n