Workplace accident toll too high: Labour Minister

Nearly 10,000 employees are killed or injured in workplace incidents each year, according to a new workplace health and safety report.
The State of Workplace Health and Safety in New Zealand report released today showed industries such as construction, agriculture, forestry, fishing and manufacturing to have consistently high work tolls.
Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson said the report was the first snapshot of the state of workplace health and safety and the Department of Labour was developing industry-specific action plans to reduce the toll.
``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,'' she said.
``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.''
The report will be released annually.