While ACC claim figures had decreased in some areas the overall number of claims remained relatively steady, said Mrs Raihania
“Tairawhiti statistics show a downward trend but the number of preventable injuries in the region remains unacceptably high. While there are many who are not interested in statistics, these figures give a clear picture and we must take heed,” she said.
Motor vehicle crashes, suicides, falls, assaults and drownings were recorded as the main causes of fatalities through injury in the region.
Mrs Raihania said serious injuries impacted heavily on individuals, their caregivers, and extended whanau long after the event.
“Living and coping with an injury, the constant pain, the loss of freedom, the changes in one’s physical appearance or feelings of anger, depression or isolation all follow an injury.
“The memory of death of a family member or friend resulting from injury also weighs deeply on the hearts and minds of those left behind.”
Mrs Raihania said conversations about measures to avoid “unnecessary heartache” were needed, especially over the holiday period.
“Injuries are preventable and as we enter this festive season we need to remind ourselves and each other, to put safety practices into place.”
ACC Gisborne’s claim statistics show males who are 40 to 55 years of age have the highest workplace fatalities. The top industries for work-related claims in Tairawhiti are agriculture, forestry, fishing, manufacturing and construction.
Mrs Raihania said Gisborne police had identified alcohol to be the “aggravator” at the heart of some of the most serious crime and disorder.
“Alcohol features as a major factor of violence-related and motor vehicle injuries and fatalities in the Tairawhiti region. Alcohol-related crashes are proportionally much higher in Tairawhiti, in comparison to both similar regions and the national averages.”
Mrs Raihania said data also showed a co-relation between injury and crime prevention.
“Crime and injury have a major impact on the safety and wellbeing of our families, communities and society. Death, injury and violence caused through accidents, criminal and anti-social behaviour comes at a high cost socially and economically yet most injuries and crimes are preventable.”
Mrs Raihania said Tairawhiti was committed to developing safer communities.
The SAFE Tairawhiti Community Trust’s bid to be a member of the International Safe Community of the World Health Organisation was successful and accreditation will be signed off on February 28.
STCT is developing a three-year work in progress Safe Communities Strategy.
