This report provides an overview of work-related fatalities, injuries, and factors associated with ill health in Aotearoa New Zealand.

It is based on data collected or produced by WorkSafe New Zealand, ACC, and Stats NZ, as of June 2023.

High-level summary of the report:

Full report:

Key topics in the report include:

• trends in the number and rate of work-related fatalities and injuries
• exposures at work that raise the risk of injury and/or ill health
• industries and workers with greater risk of injury or ill health.

The report is grouped into five categories of harm and risk:

• Injuries resulting from a single traumatic event
• Carcinogens and airborne risks
• Musculoskeletal risks
• Work organisation and environmental risks
• Psychosocial risks

This information will help achieve shared understanding of the most important causes of work-related harm and what needs to improve for work in Aotearoa New Zealand to be healthier and safer.

Key findings

• Most work-related fatalities and serious injuries happen in a few industries. Rates of fatalities and injuries have reduced over time. However, in some industries and for some groups of workers, injury rates have stayed the same or increased over the past decade.
• More than 1 in 2 workers in Aotearoa New Zealand have some exposure to at least one carcinogen. The most serious health risks occur in a few industries and occupations, where workers may be exposed to multiple carcinogens. Appropriate controls for these exposures are not used consistently.
• A large proportion of workers have some exposure to common risks such as lifting, awkward postures, prolonged standing, loud noise, shift work, and extreme temperatures. Māori, Pasifika, and workers from lower socioeconomic groups are more likely to be exposed to these risks.
• Psychosocial risks such as high work demands, low job control, and offensive behaviours, for example bullying and harassment, occur in all industries. Migrant workers with fewer than five years in New Zealand and workers in service industries are more likely to be exposed to these risks. Māori are more likely to be exposed to offensive behaviours.