Get work safe smart for 2017
While the number of workplace related incidents are on a downward slope, Taupo workforces are being reminded to continue harnessing the power of work safety.
WorkSafe received 261 Notifications of Notifiable Illness or Injury in the Waikato region in 2016. Thirty-four came from the Taupo District.
‘‘A big part of staying well at work is good health and safety habits – and it’s surprising how even a short break away can see those habits slip,’’ WorkSafe’s Brett Murray, General Manager, said.
The serious injury outcome indicators released late last year by Statistics New Zealand show that businesses across New Zealand are making strides in health and safety with positive trends in both workrelated fatal and non-fatal injuries.
In 2015, for the Taupo region, the number of incidents reached 46.
‘‘While the downward trend is encouraging, the number of people being seriously injured at work is still too high,’’ Murray said.
In the Taupo District for 2016, the highest industry with 10 workplace incidents was in agriculture, in particular dairy cattle farming.
Four incidents were in the construction industry and another six were in the arts and recreation services.
Three other incidents happened in the education and training industry, with two being logged as preschool and school education.
‘‘I encourage each workplace in New Zealand to start the year by discussing health and safety and taking positive steps, such as discussing workplace risks with teams, checking Personal Protective Equipment including, hearing protection, safety glasses or face shields,’’ Murray said.
Murray said summer creates some new, especially for those who are working long days as dehydration and fatigue can lead to potentially fatal accidents.
‘‘Don’t forget to include other risks in your discussions, such as welding fumes, wood dust and carbon monoxide or other airborne contaminants,’’ he said.
Every year, an estimated 600-900 people die in New Zealand from work-related health issues and a further 5000-6,000 are hospitalised with cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other chronic illnesses from workplace exposure to airborne contaminants.