Workers in New Zealand financial and insurance services suffered the lowest rates of injury last year, according to figures released by Stats NZ.

The industry had just 18 claims per 1000 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs), probably because most workers are office-based.

In contrast, arts and recreation workers, such as those who work in sports, had the highest injury rates, with 196 claims per 1000 FTEs.

The overall injury rate in New Zealand last year was 107 claims per 1000 FTEs.

The figures are based on work-related injury claims accepted by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).

“We can expect the arts and recreation services industry to have a high rate of injury since it includes workers in professional sports and adventure tourism,” Government Injury Information Manager Dan Oberhaus said.

For more serious injury claims, arts and recreation had only the sixth-highest rate, with 22 entitlement claims per 1000 FTEs.

The manufacturing industry and the transport, postal and warehousing industry tied for the highest rate of entitlement claims, both with 28 per 1000 FTEs.

These claims could include additional payments such as death benefits, loss of earning payments, lump sums and rehabilitation payments.

Last year the ACC approved 233,000 claims from 207,000 people for injuries that occurred while working.