Sore back at work? How much ACC’s cashing out for workplace injuries

Wednesday, 7 February 2024

ACC has paid out $4.6 billion on work-related injuries since 2019, with almost 300,000 active claims at the end of last year.

New Zealand’s provider of accident insurance, ACC, has spent billions of dollars on supporting people through injuries suffered at work.

It comes as a recent international study shows people who sit at their desk for prolonged periods have a 16% higher risk of death from any cause, and a 34% higher risk of heart disease.

Figures released to Newsable, covering everything from the office to outdoors, reveal ACC has paid out $4.6 billion on work-related injuries since 2019, for with almost 300,000 active claims at the end of last year.

The most common injuries are soft tissue and lower back.

Kirsten Davie, President of Physiotherapy New Zealand, told Newsable poor posture is the source of many issues for patients.

“Sitting around, not changing posture, will contribute to lower back pain”, she said.

“You also get overuse injuries, pain down the arm, muscle fatigue from that repetitive action they're using with the keyboard.”

Davie said our bodies are “designed to move”, and we need to “keep the blood flowing.”

“If we slouch… we're putting those joints at end range, stretching those muscles, [and] we're more prone to injury”, she said.

“Just making sure that you go to the kitchen and grab a glass of water. rather than having a glass sitting next to you - those types of things will really help.”

Sir John Kirwan teamed up with ACC to talk about workplace mental health at Business Central's health and safety roadshow in Wellington. (Video first published May 2023)

Listen to the full interview here.

Newsable is Stuff’s daily news podcast, wrapping up what’s worth talking about in a short package every weekday morning. Make sure to like and follow us wherever you get your podcasts.