First private workplace death prosecution resolved

February 16, 2006

Media Release

First private prosecution over workplace death resolved

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union’s private prosecution over the death of a worker from Times Colour Print in Warkworth has been withdrawn.

Kenneth Fisher, 43, of Maungaturoto, died when his car hit a bridge on State Highway 1 near Maungaturoto in June 2004. Mr Fisher was on his way home from work at the time of the accident.

EPMU national secretary Andrew Little said that the matter had been resolved and the union’s prosecution withdrawn, and the parties had agreed to make the following statement:

“The parties recognise that fatigue is an issue the legislature has now made it clear must be addressed in the workplace, and we are working together to ensure that there is not a repeat of this tragedy.

“The parties appeal to other companies to be aware of the serious nature of the hazard presented by working long hours and to take similar precautions, specifically:

1. The training of managers with regard to the recognition and avoidance of the hazard of fatigue.
2. Seeking and following advice from a qualified expert on fatigue hazard management, including the adoption of appropriate shift patterns and rules regarding overtime.”

“No further statement or comment will be made by either party.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media