Show takes viewers up close and personal with workplace accidents

A hard hitting New Zealand reality television series that takes viewers behind the scenes of workplace accidents and investigations begins its second season on TV ONE tonight.

Special Investigators follows workplace health and safety inspectors for the Department of Labour, the Civil Aviation Authority and Maritime New Zealand as they investigate work-related injuries and fatalities.

"The first series was brilliantly received," says Maarten Quivooy, the Department of Labour's manager of workplace services. "Hopefully we will attract the same degree of interest in this second series and continue to positively change attitudes and behaviours.

"Taking the cameras behind the scenes gives people the chance to see first hand the Department's role in health and safety. By featuring real-life stories we show the often devastating consequences of not following good safety practices.

"The series also highlights the hard work of our inspectors. Department of Labour inspectors often undertake searching enquiries in the most difficult of circumstances. It is never simple when you're dealing with situations that can be tragedies for families, friends, workplaces and communities."

Series one of Special Investigators followed seven of the Department's health and safety inspectors as they investigated workplace fatalities, serious accidents and near misses, in a variety of settings, from Auckland to Canterbury.

Series two premiers on TV ONE at 9.40pm tonight. Upcoming episodes include Department of Labour investigations into the tragic deaths at two separate industrial incidents, as well as a worker being rescued from a collapsed trench. Special Investigators was produced by Greenstone Pictures.

"Series two is a great chance to again reach a large number of people and raise their awareness of the importance of safe workplace practices.

"Good health and safety in New Zealand workplaces is important for our workers, but it is also good for New Zealand businesses. When work is safe, studies show workers are more productive, businesses find it easier to recruit and retain staff, and across the longer-term ACC levies are reduced."

ENDS

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