Minister orders inquiry into workplace deaths

The Minister of Labour, Kate Wilkinson, has ordered a report into the reasons behind the high level of workplace fatalities this year and what can be done about it.

So far in 2009 there have been 31 workplace deaths, more than twice the number in 2007.

The EPMU supported the Minister's call. National secretary Andrew Little told the New Zealand Herald that due to the increase in redundancies this year a lot of people are doing casual contracts and may not have the training to carry out certain roles.

"Some employers may have exploited the recessionary environment and cut back on health and safety," Mr Little told the Herald.

He said workers facing redundancy may also be scared of speaking up about health and safety concerns.

Preliminary findings from the Department of Labour are expected to be ready before Christmas.