The voices behind a new project on Pike River speak on memory, justice, and community.
Fifteen years after the Pike River mine disaster, New Zealand’s workplace health and safety record remains among the worst in the developed world, a new report has found.
This month marks the anniversary of the disaster that claimed the lives of 29 men.
The explosion, caused by the ignition ofmethane gas in a poorly equipped and unsafe mine, led to a Royal Commission finding that Pike River Coal Ltd’s health and safety systems were inadequate.
The Public Health Communication Centre Briefing, written by leading health and safety experts, says weak enforcement, inadequate fines and poor understanding of legal duties by employers and political leaders are key reasons for the lack of progress.
It warns that proposed policy changes, including a shift in WorkSafe’s focus from enforcement to advice and ACC’s decision to deprioritise injury prevention, risk further undermining worker protection.
“Other countries have shown what stronger political and managerial leadership can achieve,” said lead author Dr Chris Peace from Victoria University of Wellington.
Lead author Chris Peace from Victoria University of Wellington. Photo / Supplied
“We need better enforcement, higher penalties, and clearer guidance so businesses understand their obligations and the benefits of effective health and safety management.”
The report outlined several steps that could improve workplace safety and performance, including increasing fines to match inflation, requiring businesses to appoint competent workplace health and safety advisers, ensuring all directors and managers are aware of their legal duties, using real-time data to target high-risk sectors and hazards, and moving to eliminate dangers rather than relying on personal protective equipment.
It also pointed to overseas examples such as introducing corporate manslaughter laws and unlimited fines for serious offences – measures that would signal that the lives and wellbeing of workers are taken seriously.
The authors noted that effective workplace health and safety is not just about compliance, but it also boosts productivity and business performance.
“We owe meaningful reform to the memory of the 29 men who died at Pike River,” said Dr Peace.
“Fifteen years on, it is time for leadership that truly values the safety and dignity of New Zealand workers.”
Police are still working with the Crown Solicitor to decide whether criminal charges will be laid over the disaster.
A criminal probe reopened in 2018 after the Government decided to regain entry to the mine’s access tunnel, leading police and mining experts to drill boreholes and uncover further human remains.
The investigation, described as legally and technically complex, has cost nearly $23 million to date.
Earlier charges against former mine boss Peter Whittall were dropped in 2013 after an unlawful payout to victims’ families, but police say a decision on new prosecutions is expected in the first half of next year.
