8 January 2014

MEDIA RELEASE

Citydepot Operational Restrictions

Following the incident on Saturday morning at CityDepot, which resulted in an injury to one of our staff, we and WorkSafe NZ are undertaking full investigations. As part of their process, WorkSafe NZ inspectors visited the Depot today.

The purpose of their visit was to ensure that the risks associated with the incident were adequately controlled. As part of that visit, they requested documentation including operational procedures regarding stacking containers. Our documentation, particularly our hazard register, does not reflect current operational practices. As a result, WorkSafe NZ has issued us with a notice requiring us to follow the current documented operational procedures.

The effect of this is that, until further notice, we cannot create new stacks of containers greater than 5 high for 40ft containers and 4 high for 20ft containers at CityDepot. The notice does not preclude us from removing containers above this height or operating around those stacks.

The aim is to have the notice lifted as soon as possible, and we are working closely with WorkSafe NZ in carrying out a risk assessment of stacking containers greater than 4/5 high. This will be undertaken tomorrow.

Our investigation continues and we will look at all causal factors associated with this incident. We are committed to taking the appropriate learnings and providing a safe work environment for our staff.

During this period CityDepot will continue to deliver the expected level of services to our customers.

We are not able to make any further comments until the investigation is completed.

ENDS

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