Time off work doubles, as toll of NZ’s poor H&S performance hits $5.4b

Poor health and safety performance in New Zealand cost the country $5.4 billion in 2024, 1.3% of the country’s GDP, a new report released this evening reveals.

The Business Leaders’ Health and Safety Forum’s State of a Thriving Nation 2025 report produced by economist Shamubeel Eaqub also outlines that while workplace injuries are decreasing, time off work per injury has risen sharply.  

The cost of workplace injuries, fatalities and long-term illness in New Zealand and is now $5.4 billion, up from $5.2 billion the year prior. That cost has also increased by nearly $1 billion in real terms in the past decade. Read our full media release below. 

Read the full report on our website.