29 November, 2016
MEDIA RELEASE

Cleaners’ ACC claims rise but numbers the tip of the iceberg

Fresh ACC figures for 2015 reveal the growing risks at work for low-income workers, particularly older workers.

The figures show cleaners are amongst the group which now has the highest rate of ACC claims.

E tū Industry Coordinator, Jill Ovens says the figures don’t show just how many of those claimants are cleaners.

But she says the figure would be the tip of the iceberg as ACC rejects many injury claims by cleaners.

She says the figures also show the risks to older workers, with those in the 45-54-year age group making the most claims.

“Many of our cleaning members are in that demographic, so that makes sense. People also forget that cleaning is hard, physical work so it’s not surprising many get injured.

“Being older also makes it easier for ACC to claim injuries are age-related degenerative conditions instead of work-related injuries.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media