Media Releases
OSH To Prosecute Palmerston North City Council
Friday 6 June 1997
Safety concerns for both the public and workers over January’s felling of plane trees on Palmerston North’s Fitzherbert Avenue has led the Occupational Safety and Health Service of the Department of Labour to file prosecution papers today against the Palmerston North City Council.
Four charges of breaches of the Health and Safety in Employment Act have been taken against the council, and one charge has been taken against a Palmerston North City Council employee.
The charges against the Council are taken under sections 10(2)b, 16(a), and 18. The alleged offences relate to requirements to provide for suitable safety clothing and equipment; the duties of the person in control of the place of work; and the duties of the Council as ‘principal’ to ensure the safety of its contractors/subcontractors.
The charge against the Council employee is taken under section 19 of the Health and Safety in Employment Act relating to the obligation of an employee taking all practicable steps for their own safety.
