Call for port safety probe

A trade union is calling for an “urgent inquiry” into port safety following two deaths at sites across New Zealand’s in the space of a week.

The latest tragedy came on April 25 when a Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) employee was crushed by coal being loading onto a ship that was berthed at the site’s Cashin Quay.

Kirstie Gardener, acting chief executive, says: “I wish to express my deep sadness and condolences to both the family of our team member and to the rest of the LPC team. 

“Our focus right now is on supporting our staff and the family of our LPC team member at this tragic time.”

Maritime New Zealand is investigating the death and police will conduct inquiries in relation to the death on behalf of the coroner.

The fatal accident follows the death of Atiroa Tuaiti, an employee for a stevedore contracting company, at Ports of Auckland just six days earlier on April 19.

Inquiries are being conducted into that incident and it is believed Tuaiti fell “from height” while working on a container ship. His death was the fourth involving the port since 2017.

Richard Wagstaff, president of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, says the Lyttelton death was “further evidence” of the need for an inquiry into port safety in New Zealand.

“Every worker deserves to know that when they go to work in the morning, that they will be coming home safely at the end of the day,” he adds. 

“Sadly, that is currently not the case in this industry, and urgent action is needed.”

Craig Harrison, national secretary of the Maritime Union of New Zealand, says unions are calling for national standards in the port industry and will campaign to improve health and safety at such locations.

LPC has suffered previous fatalities with three employees killed in 2014, reports Stuff. The company was subsequently ordered to pay $138,000 in fines.