"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 is 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.
"The Minister is now on notice that this work is unsafe, and that this industry is not competent to make it safer - each death and accident is further testament to this," Ms Kelly said.
"His response to this call for action and an inquiry is ultimately making a decision on whether or not this safety record is acceptable."