Union acknowledges sentencing for Lyttelton port death

Maritime Union acknowledges sentencing for Lyttelton port death

Maritime Union of New Zealand media release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday 6 August 2015

The Maritime Union has acknowledged the sentencing of Lyttelton Port Company for the 2014 death of Lyttelton port worker Brad Fletcher.

At the Christchurch District Court today Judge John Strettell awarded reparations of $75,000 and a fine of $63,000 – total penalties of $138,000.

The Lyttelton Port Company pleaded guilty in June 2015 to charges of failing to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of its employee at work.

Brad Fletcher died in August 2014 after the collapse of a scissor lift during his work in maintenance.

Brad Fletcher was the President of the Lyttelton Branch of the Maritime Union and had worked for many years at the Port, and was a highly respected member of the local community.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Joe Fleetwood says the case showed the importance of strengthening New Zealand’s health and safety laws and regulations, and the Maritime Union stands by its call for a full inquiry into NZ port safety.

ENDS

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