Workers died after entering off-limits area

Friday 22 October 2004

The company co-owned by an Auckland man killed on the job in July 2002 has been fined a total of $25,000 for failing to ensure the safety of a workmate who also died that day.

Steelcraft Engineering co-owner Gareth George and his employee and workmate Ray Wilson were killed after being hit by a two-tonne bundle of reinforcing steel that fell from a crane at the Fletcher Steel-owned Pacific Steel plant in Otahuhu in July 2002.

The maintenance sub-contracting firm had been engaged by Fletcher Steel Ltd to carry out building and maintenance work at its steel manufacturing plant. The accident happened when the two men entered an area where a crane was operating, which was against company policy. Mr George and Mr Wilson were inspecting a weighbridge, out of sight of the crane operator, when the crane passed overhead. A bundle of steel rods fell from the crane and struck the two men, killing Mr George instantly. Mr Wilson died on arrival at hospital.

The Department of Labour’s occupational safety and health service investigated the double fatality, and found that Steelcraft Engineering failed to take all practicable steps to ensure Mr Wilson safety, because he was able to enter an off-limits area where the crane was working.

Steelcraft Engineering changed its plea to guilty in the Manukau District Court on Wednesday, and was fined $18,000 and ordered to pay $7000 reparation to the family of Mr Wilson.

Fletcher Steel, trading as Pacific Steel, has also been charged under the Health and Safety in Employment Act, for failing to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of its contractors. Fletcher Steel intends defending the three charges next month.

OSH Auckland manager John Forrest said it was tragic when people were killed at work, especially when appropriate policies were in place to prevent such deaths occurring.

“This is a stark reminder to everyone that health and safety policies designed and introduced by businesses