A major port company in New Zealand has been fined $480,000 after a worker was killed while loading coal. In April 2022, Don Grant was struck and killed while working on the bulk carrier ETG Aquarius at Lyttelton Port in Christchurch.
The Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) admitted guilt to a charge under the Health and Safety at Work Act. The fine was given by Judge Keller, who also ordered the company to pay $35,000 to Maritime NZ. LPC must publish a statement about the accident as part of the ruling.
The incident occurred when coal was being loaded onto the ship. Grant was working as a ‘hatchman’ and was providing directions to the operator about where the coal should go. He was following company procedures and was in a position he was trained for.
An investigation by Maritime NZ found that LPC had several safety problems. They said the company could have taken steps to prevent the accident, especially since loading coal is known to be dangerous. Maritime NZ Director Kirstie Hewlett called the event “tragic” and emphasized that it shouldn’t have happened.
Since the incident, LPC has made changes to improve safety. Workers now have to stay in a designated safe zone, and there are new rules about when coal can be poured. They have also increased the use of CCTV to monitor the area.
LPC’s chief executive, Graeme Sumner, said the company takes responsibility for the accident and deeply regrets it. He expressed sympathy for Grant’s family, saying, “Our thoughts are with Don’s wife, children, family, and everyone at LPC who have been affected by this tragedy.”
Sumner noted that LPC has cooperated with the investigation and made changes to ensure worker safety during coal loading.
Grant’s family described him as a devoted husband and father, saying he was loved and respected by many. They stated that while he enjoyed his job, they did not want anyone else to experience such a loss. “All workers need to know that they are safe and will return home to their loved ones,” they said.
