Another port worker in New Zealand lost his life in an accident during loading operations at the Port of Lyttelton, a few days later a docker died after fall at the Ports of Auckland.
The latest incident occurred aboard the vessel ETG Aquarius berthed at Cashin Quay on 25 April during coal loading operations.
Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary, Craig Harrison said that the incident is under investigation by Maritime New Zealand and the Union.
“The death of a Lyttelton port worker is the tragic loss of life of another worker and has shaken the maritime industry,” pointed out Harrison, adding that “the death has hit workers in the industry hard, as it follows from the workplace death of a young worker Atiroa Tuaiti at the Ports of Auckland last week.”
He added that port unions are calling for national standards in the port industry and would be campaigning hard to improve health and safety in ports.
“These deaths and serious injuries in the port industry should not be happening, and the controls and processes and culture need to be fixed through national standards,” noted Harrison.
