A taskforce set up last year is about to present its recommendations to the Government on workplace safety.
The Government established the Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety to undertake the first wide-ranging strategic review of the workplace health and safety system in 20 years.
It will provide recommendations to the Government on practical measures that will help reduce the rate of fatalities and serious injuries in workplaces by at least 25% by 2020.
On Sunday, which is International Workers' Memorial Day, taskforce chairman Rob Jager said health and safety is even more important today with thousands of people working in the rebuild of Christchurch following earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.
The memorial day commemorates those who have been killed, injured or hurt while at work.
Mr Jager said the day was a time for workers and employers to reflect on the importance of health and safety in the workplace.
He said too many New Zealanders are harmed or killed at work each year and each death is a tragedy with ongoing consequences for family, friends and colleagues left behind.
The taskforce has been looking at whether legislation, regulation, incentives and enforcement is working effectively to reduce workplace injury and death.
Among its terms of reference, it was to take note of the findings of the Royal Commission into the Pike River coal mine disaster and the Government's response.
