Home > Review Articles > Ethnic disparities > Māori work-related fatal injury in Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2005-2014: a decade of continued inequities for Indigenous Māori

Māori work-related fatal injury in Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2005-2014: a decade of continued inequities for Indigenous Māori

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 117
Authors:
  • Akuhata T et al.
Summary:

A population-level study has found that Māori experience disproportionately high rates of work related fatal injury (WRFI), mostly as a result of their representation in high-risk occupations and industries, compared with non-Māori. The study used Coronial case files for the period 1995-2014. The crude incident rate ratio (IRR) for WRFI in Māori vs non-Māori over the decade 2005-2014 was 1.9 (95% CI 1.6-2.3). The IRR increased to 2.1 in the transport sector (95% CI 1.6-2.9) and to 2.2 for machinery operators (95% CI 1.6-3.2). Vehicle crashes were responsible for 33% of WRFI in Māori compared with 25% in non-Māori. The study authors noted that future efforts to address inequities in WRFI for Māori should focus on high-risk industries and occupations, as well as inequitable distribution of risk.

Comment:
Auē! And as we try to address these inequities, I can’t help thinking that we also need to address the wider impacts of WRFI for whānau – who are left grieving, have lost important roles from their lives, and will lose income and financial security.
Reference: Epidemiol Community Health. 2025 Jul;79(8):594-599.
Abstract
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Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

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