VINZ to pay $500k over tragedy

Vehicle Inspection New Zealand (VINZ) has been ordered to pay more than $500,000 in fines and reparations following the death of a customer who was hit by a vehicle at its Hamilton testing station.

The fatal incident happened in February 2019 when an employee driving on-site hit a customer, who suffered traumatic brain injuries and died in hospital.

A WorkSafe investigation found VINZ had policies based on the risk to pedestrians at the station but it did not actively implement or enforce those requirements.

VINZ was fined $225,000 and ordered to pay the victim’s family $278,885 for emotional harm and losses at a hearing at Hamilton District Court on February 18.

Sean Stevens, chief executive at VINZ, says the company accepts the outcome of the case and has put a lot of work into safety updates since.

“On 18th February, 2021, VINZ attended sentencing at Hamilton District Court relating to an incident that took place in February 2019,” he adds.

“VINZ had already pled guilty to the charge of breaching sections of the Health and Safety at Work Act. VINZ accepts the outcome of the court process in relation to what was a tragic accident.”

Danielle Henry, WorkSafe’s area manager, says the tragedy reinforces that people must be separated from moving vehicles at business premises. 

The investigation also identified steps that could and subsequently have been implemented by VINZ.

“This was a site where there were a large number of vehicles passing through each day, alongside customers,” she explains. 

“The risks were well known – and there were policies in place, however, there was a failure, at least on this occasion, to adhere to them.”

Henry adds the investigation established VINZ knew there was a risk and this had been entered into its hazard register.

“But simply putting plans on paper will not eliminate the risk to pedestrians caused by vehicles. Good health and safety systems need to be practised every day – not on occasion or once something has gone wrong,” she continues.

“The business should have ensured customers and workers were isolated from vehicles at all times. 

“This can be done in a number of ways such as designated walkways or barriers to exclude customers from higher risk areas.”

WorkSafe has also established new guidelines relating to site traffic management that are available on its website.