Injuries at work show agriculture, forestry, and fishery sectors are too dangerous

Workers are deeply concerned about the research Statistics New Zealand have released today showing that almost one-quarter of agriculture, forestry, and fishery workers had a work-related injury claim accepted by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) in 2013.

Provisional figures for 2013 show that agriculture, forestry, and fishery workers made 226 injury claims per 1,000 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs), and 2.6 percent of these workers experienced an injury that resulted in a week or more off work.

“Clearly workers in these areas are over represented. There is something seriously and systemically wrong when a quarter of workforce in any particular sector are injured at work.” CTU President Helen Kelly said today.

“There seems to be an acceptance that there are some sectors where a certain number of injuries, or even fatalities are expected. This is an unacceptable perspective. Every worker should be able to return home from work safety.” Kelly said.

“The thing all three of these sectors have in common is workers have no viable form of independent representation including through unions and the current employment law makes collectivising across these types of businesses extremely difficult. The industries are then characterised by poor working conditions, high turnover, and a lack of investment in training and long hours.

Instead of dealing with this reality, the Government intends to attack workers’ rights and in this environment, we can expect these disastrous statistics to be repeated next year.” Kelly said.

ENDS

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