Most extensive WorkSafe NZ investigation ever; charges filed over White Island disaster

Most extensive WorkSafe NZ investigation ever; charges filed over White Island disaster

New Zealand’s safety regulator has revealed the details of its investigation into the Whakaari, or White Island disaster that caused 22 fatalities in December of last year.

Chief Executive of WorkSafe New Zealand, Phil Parkes, has confirmed that 13 parties have had charges laid against them. Parkes is unable to name the parties under New Zealand law, because those parties are able to apply to have their names suppressed.

He said the investigation relating to the disaster is the most extensive and complex the organisation had ever undertaken. The incident has been referred to as “unexpected” but not “unforeseeable”.

Ten organisations and three individuals have been charged over the incident. Ten will face charges under the Health and Safety at Work Act and another three directors or individuals will face charges regarding their due diligence in regards to health and safety. Companies face maximum penalties of $1.5 million NZ and individuals up to $300,000.

No further specifics have been given relating to the charges as they are now before the courts.

Parkes did concede that whether the island should have been allowing visitors will likely be argued in court.

In a statement at the time of the incident, the regulator said that “WorkSafe New Zealand has opened a health and safety investigation into the harm and loss of life caused by the eruption.”

The preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 15 in the Auckland District Court.

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