New data reveals injuries kept New Zealand workers off the job for more than 20 million days
The New Zealand economy lost an estimated $8.7 billion in 2025 alone due to injuries, which kept employees away from work for more than 20 million days, according to new government data.
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) said in its latest report that it supported over two million injury claims for 1.6 million people in 2025.
This led to more than 20 million days away from work and an estimated $8.7 billion in lost economic output.
"This matters because time away from work is not just a number. The longer someone is off work, the harder their recovery can be," said ACC chief executive Megan Main.
"Businesses lose valuable skills and experience, workforce capacity is reduced, and pressure grows on productivity and economic performance."
Impact of workplace injuries
Workplace injuries resulted in 4.7 million days of weekly compensation, which cost the ACC $815 million.
"This time away from work, as a result of workplace injuries, contributes to an estimated $2 billion in lost productivity each year," the report read.
Injuries were most reported in higher-risk industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and construction, where work involves greater exposure to machinery, vehicles, manual handling, and working at height.
The leading causes of injury include strains and sprains, slips, trips and falls, as well as vehicle-related incidents.
"While some sectors are seeing reductions in claim rates, the cost of injury continues to rise, driven by longer recovery times and more time spent away from work," the report read.
Overall, injuries that took place in and around the home are the most significant contributors to overall harm, cost, and demand on the Scheme, according to the ACC report.
In 2025, there were 37,000 home injuries that resulted in 6.4 million days of weekly compensation. It cost the Scheme $934 million and caused $2.7 billion in lost productivity.
"These injuries can have a significant impact on people's day-to-day lives. Recovery can take time, affecting independence and the ability to carry out everyday activities, and in some cases resulting in time away from work," the report read.
Addressing injuries at work
Main said preventing injuries is not something that one person or organisation can accomplish alone.
"It takes all of us, employers, health providers, families and communities. That means taking simple steps to prevent injuries in our homes, our workplaces, on the road, and playing sport," she said.
Employers also play an important role in helping injured employees recover, according to the report, which suggested the following measures:
Prepare ahead of time by thinking about suitable duties that can be adjusted if someone is injured
Act early by remaining in touch with [the] employee during their recovery
Plan recovery together using a recovery at work plan that follows medical advice
"Supporting recovery at work can help employees get better sooner and spend less time away from work," the report read.
"When you stay connected with your employee and support them to recover at work - even on reduced hours or suitable duties, it helps their physical and mental recovery and makes it more likely they'll return to their role."
