Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC) has bolstered its health and safety budget by NZ$200,000 to NZ$300,000 following two fatalities within a month late last year and a forklift driver being injured by a falling container earlier this year.
LPC chief executive Peter Davie said his firm has striven to take a “stronger leadership role” in safety matters involving both its own staff and those of third-party operators.
“We are continually looking at how to ensure health and safety continues to be the number one priority for everyone entering operational areas,” he said.
It is understood that following a safety audit of all operations, training and supervision has been increased and clearer procedures implemented. A health and safety manager has also been appointed to fill a vacated position, along with a health and safety administrator.
Confirming his organisation was working constructively with LPC on the matter, Rail and Maritime Transport Union South Island organiser John Kerr said the port industry remained a high-risk one for workers.
