Port Nelson Fine Highlights Maritime Safety Issues

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) says the $110,000 fine imposed on Port Nelson, following a stevedore's terrifying 12-metre fall from a container ship, shows the urgent need for stronger health and safety enforcement in New Zealand ports, and a crackdown on substandard foreign-flagged vessels.

The company was sentenced on 6 May at the Nelson District Court after earlier pleading guilty under the Health and Safety at Work Act to breaching its duty of care to ensure the health and safety of workers.

The incident, which occurred during the night of 16 January 2023 when a faulty guard rail gave way on the container ship Maersk Nansha, left an RMTU member with physical injuries and serious emotional trauma after plunging into the sea at night.

RMTU General Secretary Todd Valster says while the fine acknowledges a breach of duty by Port Nelson, the issue is a systemic one.

"This was a horrifying ordeal for our member that could have easily been fatal. It highlights a dangerous confluence of lax health and safety standards in ports and the unacceptable condition of some overseas ships," Mr. Valster says.

"The fact that known issues with the ship's guard rails were not adequately addressed is a serious indictment. Our members, and all port workers, have the right to go to work knowing they are safe. This incident demonstrates a clear failure in that fundamental duty of care."

Mr. Valster says the spotlight needs to go on the seaworthiness and safety of international vessels calling at New Zealand ports.

"For too long, we've seen a race to the bottom with some international shipping lines operating rust buckets with little regard for the safety of their own crews or port workers who work on these vessels. This incident, involving a major international shipping line, shows even well-known operators are not immune to serious safety failings on their ships."

Mr Valster says port companies and shipping operators must be held fully accountable for ensuring a safe working environment. This includes rigorous checks on the seaworthiness and safety compliance of all visiting vessels, proper training, and safe staffing levels.

"The RMTU will continue to advocate for the safety and wellbeing of all rail and port workers.”

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