Minister announces inquiry into Tranz Rail's safety
A Ministerial Inquiry is to be held into the safety practices and standards of Tranz Rail, the Minister of Labour,
Margaret Wilson, announced today.
The decision to hold an inquiry follows the death of a railway shunter in Christchurch yesterday – the fifth death of a
Tranz Rail employee during the last year.
"The inquiry will look at the broader safety concerns relating to Tranz Rail's operations, while other inquiries will
focus on aspects of the latest accident," says Ms Wilson.
"I am specifically concerned that under current legislation employees of Tranz Rail do not have the same standard of
safety protection as other employees. This matter will be a key consideration in the review of the Health and Safety in
Employment Act to take place later in the year.
"I shall invite both Tranz Rail and the Rail and Maritime Transport Union to have some input into the terms of
reference. All relevant parties will be invited to participate in the inquiry," says Ms Wilson.
ends