One death and two serious accidents in the forestry industry, the latest yesterday near Tarawera off SH50, has led to a renewed call from the Combined Trades Union for an inquiry into the whole industry.
"The year has barely started and we have had two serious accidents and a death in the most dangerous industry in New Zealand," CTU president Helen Kelly said.
"It is not viable for the Government to sit back and allow this type of safety record to go unchecked in our fourth biggest export industry."
She said an inquiry was needed to "examine best international practice, look at how poor working conditions in the industry are contributing to the accident rate, and look at what needs to change to make the industry safer".
The CTU called for an inquiry last year and it was rejected.