15 April 2019

WorkSafe is welcoming an initiative with the construction industry which will include a focus on the critical areas of health, safety and wellbeing.

The Construction Sector Accord was announced yesterday by Minister for Building and Construction Jenny Salesa.

The Accord is a partnership between the Government and construction industry, which commits to achieving a more productive, capable and resilient sector. It includes a strong focus on health, safety and wellbeing.

“The construction industry consistently accounts for a high proportion of work related fatalities, injuries and ill health in New Zealand,” says WorkSafe’s Director of Strategic Engagement and Implementation, Paula Knaap.

“If we want to see a strong, resilient sector we must focus on health and safety. It is great to see the Government and industry really stepping up to lead and work together to make it a priority.

“We know from past experience the building blocks to achieve great health and safety outcomes are the same pillars we need to support strong, resilient and sustainable industry.”

WorkSafe’s data shows that in 2018 there were six fatalities in the construction area and in the first six months of the year, 2,746 workers suffered from illness or injury.

The Canterbury Rebuild Safety Charter was developed by WorkSafe to improve health and safety outcomes in the construction sector following the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes.

Evaluation findings showed the Charter was successful in creating a unified front on health and safety across the rebuild.

WorkSafe will be bringing learnings from the Charter to supporting the health and safety component of the Accord. It will also be working with the industry to understand mental health and wellbeing challenges in the construction area.