Ski safety record defended
New Zealand ski area operators dispute media claims that skiing has a bad safety record in this country. New Zealand Ski Area Operators Association chairman Tony Wright said a summary by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council of fatalities occurring in outdoor recreation
between 1979-1985 shows skiing accounted for eight deaths out of a total of 277. Firearm activities accounted for 75 deaths. Other outdoor sports which accounted for a large number of fatalities were mountaineering with 65, tramping with 34 and walking with 11. Mr Wright said skiing has
a far smaller share of accidents compared to other popular sports. In 1983, compensated sports accidents statistics compiled by the Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) show rugby union had the highest number of accidents with 6177. Soccer was next with 1600. Rugby League had 1145, cricket 814, basketball 761, netball 722, squash 668, trail-biking 495 and softball 484. Skiing accounted for 454 accidents. In terms of compensation paid, $4,197,000 was paid out for rugby union injuries while $437,000 was paid to people who had skiing accidents. The ACC survey takes into account 102 sports related groups for the survey which is compiled on an annual basis. Nineteen eighty three is the latest published survey. Ski fatalities show a decrease in numbers in 1985 and 1984. The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council survey of skifields throughout New Zealand show one person died in 1985, none in 1984, three in 1983, one in 1982, none in 1981 and three in 1980. Mr Wright said some of the media seem to be singling out skiing as a sport to bash. "However, the statistics above clearly show that skiing is not accident prone compared with most other major New Zealand sports," he said.
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Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 13, 25 August 1987, Page 7
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292Ski safety record defended Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 13, 25 August 1987, Page 7
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