ACC is investing to help create safer workplaces in New Zealand and encouraging businesses to apply for the workplace injury prevention grants which close today. 

The workplace injury prevention grants aim to improve health and safety by developing, sharing, investing in, and implementing solutions to problems.

The five-year programme began in 2019 and now the fifth and final round of grants will focus on the manufacturing sector

Expressions of Interest for this grant round close on Thursday, April 4.

The government agency is excited to launch their fifth and final round of our Workplace Injury Prevention Grants, says ACC manager of workplace safety, Virginia Burton-Konia.

“Our grant programme opens funding for innovative ideas and solutions which make a difference in keeping workers safe and reducing harm and injuries in the workplace,” says Virginia.

“Kiwis are great innovators – and by offering funding to those solving health and safety problems in their day-to-day, we can help turn ideas into a reality.”

Manufacturing is one of New Zealand's biggest sectors, employing around 200,000 people across 18,000 businesses and 15 sub-industries. It also has one of the highest rates of injury and harm. 

In 2022, there were over 6,300 injuries resulting in more than a week away from work. Thats 532 a month.

ACC are looking for initiatives that can eliminate or significantly reduce hazards and lower injuries through Good Work Design approaches or the adoption of effective technology and/or engineered solutions.

“No matter the size of your business, if you have an idea that could benefit your business, as well as having wider benefits at a national or regional level, then workplace injury prevention grants could be the helping hand you need,” says Virginia.

Businesses don’t need to work in manufacturing, but the initiative needs to show direct benefits for the sector.

Applicants can apply for between $50,000 and $500,000 (excluding GST) per year for a maximum of three years and applicants will need to co-fund at least 20 per cent.

For more information visit: Workplace injury prevention grants (acc.co.nz)