Summer remains deadly time in Kiwi workplaces

Summer continues to be the most deadly season for Kiwi workplaces, provisional figures from the Department of Labour show.

Of the 54 work-related deaths investigated by the Department in the last year, 18 occurred in summer – a third of the total. Eleven occurred in autumn, 12 in winter, and 13 in spring.

This continues a long-running trend of higher injury rates in the summer season, says Craig Armitage, head of the Department’s Workplace Health and Safety service. “Previously autumn has tended to be our second most deadly season, though this year there was also a disappointingly high number of deaths in spring and winter.

Mr Armitage says for the last two years the Department has been running workplace health and safety campaigns to encourage people to take particular care during summer and autumn. This year’s campaign is just ending.

“The campaigns follow research showing workplace fatalities are consistently highest in summer, followed by autumn, particularly in the agricultural sector.”

Mr Armitage says previously there has been a trend for agriculture, forestry and construction to be our most dangerous industries. However, last summer and autumn the highest number of accidents, 12, occurred in the industrial and commercial sector. Five occurred in the agricultural sector, five in the construction sector, two in forestry, one in the recreational sector and four in other sectors.

Mr Armitage says research shows the two peak times for work-related fatal accidents during summer and autumn are late morning and mid afternoon. “Workers aged between 45 and 54 are most at risk.”

Research also shows that off-road vehicles – largely ATVs and tractors - are a leading cause of death and injury on New Zealand farms. “That’s why promoting the safe use of off-road vehicles has been a particular focus of our seasonal fatalities campaign.” The Department is undertaking further research into the hazards posed by ATVs in workplaces.

Mr Armitage says the loss of loved ones, the suffering of family and friends and the wider social and economic impacts of workplace deaths are immeasurable. “That’s why our latest campaign focused on the message of ‘taking care’ so workers come home safely.”

“Having a safe workplace makes good business sense. Research shows safe workplaces are more productive workplaces,” he says.

Editor’s Note

• These are provisional figures based on investigations undertaken by the Department of Labour. They do not include investigations into work-related deaths undertaken by other agencies, or deaths from long-term work-related illnesses. So they do not indicate overall workplace fatality trends.
• Annual statistics on workplace injuries are provided by Statistics New Zealand.
• Please note that health and safety services, formerly referred to as Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) should now be referred to as the Department of Labour.
• Information on seasonal fatalities and the Department of Labour’s injury prevention campaign are available at www.dol.govt.nz.