The Council of Trade Unions says other high-risk industries need to learn from the Pike River mining disaster and make changes to health and safety procedures.
A Royal Commission report on the explosions that killed 29 men at Pike River two years ago has recommended sweeping changes, including a new health and safety agency and union inspectors in mines.
Officials figures show forestry, agriculture and fishing had the highest injury rates last year.
CTU secretary Peter Conway said the Royal Commission's recommendations point out areas of weakness in many parts of the labour market, not just mining.
He said businesses in high risk industries need to give their employees more say.
However, the forestry industry says it won't be changing its safety procedures.
The Forest Owners Association says the sector has already been working on improving safety procedures for some time.
