WorkSafe data shows Transport and Agriculture are NZ'S deadliest industries

WorkSafe Data Shows Transport and Agriculture Are NZ's Deadliest Industries

Preliminary data from WorkSafe New Zealand shows that as of 4 November 2022, 37 workers have died from workplace incidents this year. Transport and agriculture remain New Zealand's most dangerous industries, each recording eight fatalities.

Fatalities Breakdown by Sector

The construction industry has recorded six fatalities, while Arts and Recreation Services has reported four fatalities. These figures highlight ongoing safety concerns across multiple sectors.

WorkSafe NZ, Construction Health and Safety NZ (CHASNZ) and the Council of Trade Unions (CTU) recently called on the construction industry to make health and safety a priority at work following a number of serious incidents. Similar patterns have emerged internationally — see our related coverage on transport, postal, and warehousing industries topping fatality lists in 2025.

Other sectors reporting fatalities include Forestry and Logging, plus Health Care and Social Assistance, each with three fatalities, and manufacturing with two fatalities. See the complete fatalities summary table here.

Why Transport and Agriculture Carry Higher Risk

Transport work often involves heavy vehicles, long hours and complex loading operations, all of which contribute to elevated risk. Businesses managing livestock transport should review procedures such as the Livestock Off-Loading and Loading SOP to reduce exposure during high-risk tasks.

Farm environments similarly present hazards from machinery, terrain and isolated work conditions. Maintenance tasks, including those covered by the Bore and Windmill Maintenance SOP, require documented safety protocols to protect workers operating in remote settings.

Building a Stronger Safety Culture

Health and safety leadership across construction and transport sectors must translate into practical, everyday actions on site. Employers can strengthen workplace practices by attending industry events such as the Workplace Health and Safety Show, where safety professionals share strategies for reducing fatalities and improving outcomes.

Companies operating fleets or logistics operations should also consider structured safety management plans, including those tailored for the transport and automotive sector, to help formalise health and safety commitments across daily operations.

For businesses seeking deeper regulatory context, WorkSafe WA's ongoing agriculture industry inquiry offers further insight — read more in our coverage of WorkSafe WA's agriculture industry inquiry dates and locations.

Key Takeaways

• Transport and agriculture each recorded eight fatalities, the highest among all sectors.
• Construction followed with six fatalities, prompting renewed safety calls from WorkSafe NZ, CHASNZ and CTU.
• Arts and Recreation Services reported four fatalities, while Forestry and Logging, plus Health Care and Social Assistance, each recorded three.
• Manufacturing reported two fatalities, rounding out this year's preliminary data.

Stay informed on the latest workplace safety news by following WorkSafe New Zealand's official reporting and industry updates, and revisit SafetyDocs for ongoing news and analysis on health and safety trends affecting workers across New Zealand.