Mechanic Brad Fletcher recently became the third workplace fatality at Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC) in ten months when reportedly toppling from an extended scissor-lift while he and a workmate were attempting to jump-start a straddle carrier.
The port’s container terminal closed for eight hours on September 3 for the funeral of Mr Fletcher, who is understood to have also been a health and safety representative and volunteer firefighter.
Having described the incident as “completely unacceptable”, WorkSafe New Zealand launched an immediate investigation and sought meetings with representatives of the port company and two major port unions. WorkSafe acting chief executive Brett Murray says it is “vital to get all sides around the table”.
“The best way to ensure that any workplace is safe - particularly one as complicated and inherently dangerous as a port - is to ensure that employers and employees are working together alongside the regulator,” he says.
LPC chief executive Peter Davie emphasised his company was committed to working with the regulator on all areas of health and safety.
“We share a common goal of having all those involved in work at the port coming together to agree and ensure safety for everyone here,” he says.
“LPC continues to co-operate fully with the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident in which LPC mechanic Brad Fletcher was killed last week.”
