Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson will meet business leaders on Wednesday to discuss reducing injuries in the workplace.
Fifty-five work-related deaths were reported to the Department of Labour in the year to June. Fifty-three were reported for the 2007/08 year and 55 for 2006/07.
The Minister is to discuss setting up a new forum that would see business and the Government working together on the issue.
Ms Wilkinson says business leaders are in a prime position to influence attitudes and practices in their own industries.
The National Distribution Union, which represents forestry workers, says the new grouping is doomed to fail unless its voice is included.
