‘White Island’ Decision: A Workplace Health & Safety New Zealand Case Study
Stay informed about the implications of the New Zealand 'White Island' decisions to stay up to date with the evolving landscape of Workplace Health & Safety in New Zealand—a crucial step for those interested in tracking significant cases from 'across the ditch'. WEB246N25
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD unit in Substantive Law
This program is applicable to practitioners from all States & Territories
10.00am to 11.00am ‘White Island’ Decision: A Workplace Health & Safety New Zealand Case Study
On 9 December 2019, a catastrophic volcanic eruption occurred on Whakaari/White Island, as a result of which 22 people died and 25 others were seriously injured.
Following the incident, New Zealand WorkSafe charged 13 separate parties, including tour operators and their officers, members of the booking supply chain, and those with responsibilities to warn of volcanic risks. Six defendants pleaded guilty, the charges of a further six were dismissed, and the remaining defendant was found guilty at trial in November 2023.
You’ll hear from a recognised work health and safety expert, discuss the outcomes of these New Zealand cases and reflect upon the lessons to be learned from this tragic incident and the consequent prosecutions, and consider:
- Section 36 and 37 duties under the New Zealand Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
- Overlapping duties of PCBUs and obligations to share information
- The meaning of reasonably practicable steps
- The impact of licence agreements
- Expert advice and reliance on specialist information for risk assessments
- Section 44 duties and the requirement to assess officers’ due diligence obligations on an individual basis
Presented by Helen Pryde, Special Counsel, Buddle Findlay
Learning Objectives:
- Gain valuable update on the White Island decision
- Examine the outcomes of these cases