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Road Freight Industry Experiences Significant Reduction in Workplace Injuries

Vrachtverkeer ervaart aanzienlijke daling van het aantal ongevallen op de werkplek

James Miller
door 
James Miller
4 minuten lezen
Nieuws
Juli 25, 2025

Inleiding

The focus of this article is the encouraging trends in workplace safety within the road freight sector. Recent statistics reveal a steady decline in injury claims, indicating improvements in health and safety practices.

Significant Decrease in Injury Claims

Recent data shared by ACC indicates that the annual injury claims within the road freight transport industry decreased by an impressive 35% from 2018 to 2025. This trend is particularly noteworthy considering the simultaneous growth in the national freight task, demonstrating a crucial commitment to safety within the sector.

Across all 16 regions of the industry, Northland and West Coast noted the most substantial drops in injury claims, with declines of 56% en 54%, respectively. In the 2024/25 period, there were 3,442 new claims recorded, down from 5,295 in 2017/18, showcasing a remarkable reduction of 1,853 claims.

The Role of Transporting New Zealand

Transporting New Zealand has welcomed this decline enthusiastically, emphasizing its reflection of the industry’s dedication to improving health and safety. Chief Executive Dom Kalasih expressed that these figures represent good news not only for the employees within the road freight sector but for businesses and ACC levy payers alike.

According to Kalasih, “The data shows that road transport businesses are steadily improving workplace health and safety for its people, while moving more freight than ever.”

Factors Contributing to Enhanced Safety

The ongoing decline in workplace injuries can be attributed to various enhancements in workplace culture and substantial technological advancements. The recent 2025 National Road Freight Survey revealed that health, safety, and staff wellbeing emerged as top priorities for 128 surveyed businesses.

Kalasih elaborated that road freight companies are prioritizing training, enforcing safe processes, and optimizing site and equipment design. Furthermore, technological innovations—like automatic systems for chain throwing on logging trailers that reduce the likelihood of sprains and strains, and fatigue management technologies that prevent workers from operating vehicles when fatigued—are key players in driving these positive outcomes. These implements are critical in lowering injury rates and facilitating a safer working environment.

Continued Commitment to Safety Improvements

Despite the promising downward trend in injuries, Kalasih highlighted that the journey is far from over. There remains a compelling drive within Transporting New Zealand to advocate for reducing injury rates even further and promoting quicker recovery for injured employees to ensure they can return to the workforce promptly.

“The longer individuals spend away from work, the lesser their chances are of returning successfully,” Kalasih stated. “Our members are encouraged to utilize Transporting New Zealand’s free consultations from leading health and safety consultants and seek ongoing advice.”

Resources Available for Road Freight Businesses

Additionally, road freight companies are urged to leverage ACC’s Recovery at Work resources, helping support employees’ return following injuries—information shared through recent member communications.

Injury Statistics Overview

ACC Road Freight Transport Industry Data 2024/2025

Primary Injury Diagnosis by Claim Frequency

RangDiagnosis
1Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains, tears, and contusions)
2Laceration / Puncture / Sting
3Fracture / Dislocation
4Foreign Body in Orifice / Eye

Top Causes of Accidents by Claim Frequency

RangCause
1Lifting / Carrying / Strain
2Loss of Balance / Personal Control
3Other / Unknown
4Pushed or Pulled

Conclusie

This progress in the road freight industry increasingly speaks volumes about the ongoing commitment to workplace safety. The notable reduction in injury claims signifies enhanced operational practices and more robust health and safety protocols. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg, as there is still work to be done to ensure even safer environments for all employees.

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