OSH Figures Another Case of Labour's Fiddling

The latest Occupational Safety and Health workplace fatality figures are another example of the Labour government manipulating statistics for political ends, ACT deputy leader Ken Shirley says.

“According to OSH, there were 73 workplace deaths in the year to June 30 – an increase of more than 80 percent on the previous year.

“But when you look at the figures, you find the criteria have changed since last year and they now include many fatalities that would have not previously counted as workplace deaths.

“The latest death toll includes six murder victims and two children who drowned in public pools. Also included are a 70-year-old retirement home resident who fell down a bank, and an 80-year-old woman who fell down stairs at a garden centre. How can these be described as ‘workplace’ accidents?

“There are also 24 self-employed people who died. Less than half the 73 deaths cited by OSH can be attributed in any way to employer negligence.

“You have to wonder if the government has told OSH to fiddle the figures, to justify its employer-bashing workplace safety legislation - Margaret Wilson’s Health and Safety in Employment Amendment Bill - which includes fines of up to $500,000 for employers who cause stress at work.

 “Labour has been captured by the agenda of trade union bosses. It is using the dubious OSH figures to justify more regulations and red tape, and more union power over business.

“What the figures actually show is that work is the safest place you can be – it’s safer than being at home, driving a car or playing sport.

“The government’s apparent fiddling of the workplace death toll is reminiscent of the way it has also juggled other figures – such as crime and hospital waiting lists - to suit Labour’s political agenda,” Mr Shirley said.

ENDS