A new action plan aimed at slashing high rates of injuries and deaths in the fishing sector has been launched by the Government.
The Fishing Sector Action Plan, unveiled by Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson and Associate Transport Minister Simon Bridges, focuses on maritime operator safety requirements, alongside new qualifications for fishing sector workers.
Commercial fishing has one of the highest combined fatality and injury rates of any sector, with 33 deaths between 2001 and 2011.
The new action plan - prepared by Maritime New Zealand, fishing industry-led group FishSAFE, the Accident Compensation Corporation and Department of Labour - focuses on crew competency and ensuring fishing vessels are appropriate and safe.
The plan pulls together initiatives from across the sector, including crew competency, vessel standards, certification and maintenance, and safety management systems.
Ms Wilkinson says a sector-specific plan must take sector-specific hazards into account.
"Their work can be physically demanding, the hours long and the maritime environment provides an element of unpredictability to the workplace," she said.
"There is no excuse for anyone to be put in danger, suffer serious injury or lose their life while on the job."
NZN