CHEP National Forklift Drivers Competition 1997

Settlers Lodge, Waimauku, Auckland

Thank you for the opportunity to be involved with the 1997 CHEP National Forklift Drivers Competition.

After watching today's display, there is no doubt that competition - whether in sport, business or anything else - hones performance to the nth degree.

By turning forklift driving into a competiton you have come up with an innnovative and effective way to promote top standards within your industry.

Between 1988 and 1993 six people died in forklift fatalities.

But in the past few years not a single forklift operator has been killed.

I think that is real proof of the increase in operator skill and care brought about by competition, and by your Forklift Training Code introduced two years ago.

Well done.

You are a shining example to other industries whose workplace safety records remain a real cause of concern to the Government.

"She'll be right, mate," could possibly be the four most fatal words you will hear in a New Zealand workplace.

Often it is small things - a corner cut here or there, a moment's inattention, a detail ignored, which lead to terrible consequences.

In the 12 months to June this year, 41 people were killed at work. Fourteen of those workers died on farms.

Nine died in forestry.

Ten died on construction sites.

Construction workers are three times more likely to be killed and twice as likely to be injured at work.

They also have higher rates of hearing loss, cancer and respiratory problems.

Loggers are more than 70 times more likely to be killed on the job than the average New Zealand worker.

Farming accounts for the highest number of workplace deaths.

Between 1986 and 1991 there were 274 deaths on New Zealand farms. Forty six were children.

In monetary terms the cost of workplace deaths is estimated at $150 million a year - a huge cost to our country and taxpayers.

The cost in terms of human grief and suffering - for families, friends and workmates - is immeasurable.

In 1992 the Health and Safety in Employment Act was introduced to address concerns about our workplace safety records.

But although there has been an improvement in some areas, and an increased awareness of the issues, occupational deaths have not decreased.

That is why the Government is taking action to achieve a zero fatality rate in our workplaces.

Recently I launched Worksafe Week 1997 to mark the official beginning of OSH's strategic direction Together to Zero: Eliminating Workplace Deaths.

Together to Zero is a partnership between industry, employees and the Government.

Through education and awareness of workplace hazards and safe practices, the aim is to eliminate the occupational death toll and reduce the social suffering and economic cost of workplace fatalities.

There is also a new special focus on Maori, who make up a high proportion of the workforce in high risk industries.

Often it is simple steps which save lives - a seat belt worn in a bulldozer, clothing and hair secured properly, one piece of safety equipment worn or installed.

It is estimated that 17 out of 21 mobile plant fatalities in forestry could be avoided just through the use of a seatbelt or operator restraint.

There are easy, cheap and simple ways to prevent workplace death and serious injury if only the hazards are known and managed, employers and employees aware, safe practices followed.

Court action after a workplace injury or fatality is nothing more than an ambulance - or a hearse - at the bottom of a cliff. The Government, through OSH, is aiming to put in place fences at the top of the cliff.

Your industry is shining example of what can be achieved with a real focus on competence and safety.

It is my sincere hope and firm belief that we can use your example to help other industries achieve a similar result. Congratulations to your industry, and especially to the drivers tonight....