but not the workplace accidents.

WorkSafe's latest campaign reminds Kiwis to stay vigilant as they return to work.

During lockdown, workplace accidents were down dramatically. WorkSafe NZ wanted to make sure we didn’t forget to keep up our health and safety practices once we all went back to work.

There’s a lot we’ve missed in New Zealand over the last couple of months; seeing friends and whānau, our beloved takeaways, and of course being at work. What we haven’t missed is the workplace incidents that injure or kill our workmates, friends and family.

During the lockdown and in the weeks since, WorkSafe have seen record low numbers of work-related harm. In April and May 2019, 19 people were killed in the workplace. At the end of May this year, two people have been fatally injured in April and May. Suggesting lockdown has saved lives in more ways than one.

WorkSafe Marketing and Communications Manager, Chris Green, says that as New Zealand looks to get our economy moving again by businesses returning to work, the risk of potential workplace injuries and fatalities will be heightened. For this reason WorkSafe launched a campaign encouraging all businesses and workers in New Zealand getting back to work to do so in a healthy and safe way.

“As New Zealanders return to work we want to show them what we missed, as well as the things we haven’t, the campaign seeks to remind all of us that we need to keep up the incredible work this team of five million has been putting in to protect our workmates, friends and whānau.”

The campaign wants to ensure New Zealanders are diligent as they return to work and keep an eye out for any risks that may impact their health and safety and speak up as soon as they notice them.

“It is really important that businesses and workers know to speak up if they see anything that may harm themselves or their workmates. We want to make sure people aren’t just focusing on the risk posed by COVID-19 but also the everyday risks in their workplaces to ensure they get home healthy and safe every day,” says Green.

The campaign features placements across television, radio, outdoor, online and social media.


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