SIMIC

IN response to two tragic incidents that occurred in April, New Zealand has taken legal measures by filing charges related to the fatalities that took place at its ports, reports Ventura, California's gCaptain.

The investigations were launched following the deaths of Atiroa Tuaiti at the Ports of Auckland on April 19, 2022, and Donald Grant at the Port of Lyttelton on April 25 of the same year.



Maritime NZ, the governing body responsible for maritime safety in New Zealand, has filed charges under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA).



Wallace Investments, the stevedoring company, now faces one charge in connection with the death of Mr Tuaiti.



The incident occurred when Mr Tuaiti tragically suffered fatal injuries while working on a docked container ship and was crushed by a container.



Regarding the death of Mr Grant, Maritime NZ has filed two HSWA charges against the Lyttelton Port Company.



The incident occurred on April 25, 2022, when Mr Grant was struck by coal during the loading process into a vessel's hatch.



Maritime NZ director Kirstie Hewlett expressed condolences to the families affected by these tragic events and emphasized the significance of workplace safety.



Ms Hewlett stated that everyone deserves to return home safely from work each day.



In response to these incidents, transport minister Hon Michael Wood requested the Port Health and Safety Leadership Group to provide guidance on collective actions to address safety concerns within New Zealand ports.



This led to the development of the Ports Sector Insights Picture and Action Plan, which includes regulatory standards aimed at reducing harm in port environments.



Ms Hewlett praised the efforts of the leadership group, highlighting the high priority placed on port safety in New Zealand.



Ms Hewlett further noted that significant progress has been made since the implementation of the Action Plan, with various measures already underway to enhance port safety.



As the legal proceedings progress, New Zealand remains committed to ensuring the well-being of workers in its ports and preventing future tragedies.



The charges were filed to serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining strict safety measures and adhering to regulations to protect the lives of those working in maritime environments.