18 June 2015

MEDIA RELEASE

LPC Response to TWO health and Safety Charges

Lyttelton Port Company Limited (LPC) today pleaded guilty in the Christchurch District Court to a charge under the Health and Safety in Employment Act to failing to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of its employee, Brad Fletcher, who was killed in an accident at Lyttelton Port in August last year.

The charge stated LPC failed to take all practicable steps to ensure that its employees were not exposed to hazards arising from the use of a Snorkel Scissor Lift while undertaking work on a Liebherr Straddle Crane.

LPC deeply regrets the accident and apologises to Brad’s family.

“Our thoughts are with Brad’s wife, Anita, children - Kadin, Cody and Zavian, his parents – Lloyd and Barbara, and extended family,” said LPC Chief Executive Peter Davie. “LPC takes responsibility for the circumstances that led to Brad’s tragic death. We have taken every step to identify the shortcomings in the operational processes which led to his death and these have been rectified.”

LPC has implemented a number of changes since the accident and is committed to continuous improvement of health and safety at the Port for all Port users.

LPC has been advised not to comment further until the case facts become public at sentencing in approximately two months time.

Also today, LPC has pleaded not guilty in the Christchurch District Court to the following charge:

“Being an employer, failed to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of its employees, while at work, and that it failed to take all practicable steps to ensure that its employees were not exposed to hazards relating to the Snorkel Boom Lift (Cherry Picker).”

LPC is unable to comment further while this case is before the Court.

-Ends-

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