Te Aponga Uira has reaffirmed its commitment to workplace safety following an accident on 15 August 2024, which left four employees injured, including one with serious injuries.

“While we are grateful that all affected staff are now on a positive path to recovery and will receive appropriate compensation, the accident has prompted an intensive review of safety practices across the organisation” said board chair Don Buchanan.

“This is the first major safety accident in Te Aponga Uira’s history, and it does not detract from the seriousness of what occurred. With a previously strong record in safety, Te Aponga Uira has always prioritised the well-being of its employees and contractors, and we are treating this event with the gravity it deserves.”

The Te Aponga Uira Board commissioned an independent investigation to understand the root causes and identify actionable improvements.

Mr. Ross Bridson, an independent contractor, was appointed to conduct the workplace accident investigation, he brings extensive expertise to the role. He holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours) degree from the University of Auckland (1979) and has over 35 years of experience in engineering and management.

With a career that spans asset management, engineering design and project oversight, standards and policy development, staff management, and quality assurance Mr. Bridson was well placed to undertake this investigation. He has held senior management positions with Top Energy and Transpower in New Zealand, and previously worked with Rarotonga Electricity as Network Manager from 2007-2009.

The investigation, now complete, highlighted significant breaches in standard operating procedures, including lapses in supervision, adherence to safety protocols, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Findings also emphasised the need for stronger oversight and stricter compliance with safety protocols, which could have prevented the accident.

The key findings / executive summary document prepared for the Board can be found here www.teaponga.com/news-updates/

“Te Aponga Uira has met with all affected parties to express our deep regret and offer continued support. We are committed to learning from this event and ensuring that such accidents are prevented in the future” Mr Buchanan said.

Learning from the Past, Committed to the Future

Te Aponga Uira acknowledges the importance of addressing these findings openly.

“Whilst there is nothing to be gained from finger pointing or attributing blame at this stage; there is everything to be gained by taking deep learnings from the accident” Mr Buchanan added.

“The accident has reinforced the Board’s dedication to fostering a culture of safety, with a renewed focus on accountability at every level. As part of this commitment, we are implementing a comprehensive action plan to strengthen our safety framework and ensure that similar accidents are prevented in the future.”

The action plan includes:

• Enhanced Safety Protocols: Making safety a primary agenda item for all meetings and reinforcing compliance with our Health and Safety Policy to safeguard public and worker safety.
• Training and Competency: Introducing a robust worker competency framework and providing all staff with regular refresher training to reinforce safe work practices.
• Safety Accountability: Regular on-site safety engagements by management to ensure adherence to procedures and encourage an initiative-taking approach to identifying and reporting potential hazards.

A Two-Way Commitment to Safety

“Te Aponga Uira recognises that safety is a shared responsibility.

We are committed to providing a safe working environment, and we expect all staff to adhere to safety protocols diligently.

This two-way commitment will enable us to build a stronger, safer organisation where every individual plays an active role in maintaining workplace safety.

The Board, management, and staff at Te Aponga Uira are united in our determination to learn from this accident, implement best practices, and foster a workplace where safety is paramount” the chair concluded.

ENDS media enquiries to Jaewynn McKay +682 55486; jaewynn@wovenpacific.com

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