Lack of charges questioned at foresty death inquest

Maryanne Butler-Finlay, who lost her husband, Charles Finlay in a forestry accident in 2013. Photo/File

An inquest is under way into the death of forestry worker Charles Finlay, with questions around the decision by WorkSafe not to lay charges in relation to his death.

The Tokoroa man died in a forestry accident in 2013.

At today's inquest in Rotorua, lawyers Peter Cranney and Simon Miekle have questioned WorkSafe witness Jason Gibson, who was the investigator in charge of Mr Finlay's case.

Mr Miekle repeatedly asked Mr Gibson why Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment chose not to prosecute given the private prosecution by the Council of Trade Unions was successful and saw MA Cross Ltd plead guilty to one charge of failure to ensure personal protective equipment was worn by an employee.

Mr Miekle, representing Mr Finlay's wife Maryanne Butler-Finlay, had a heated exchange with Mr Gibson where he repeatedly requested an admission that WorkSafe were wrong not to prosecute.

The inquest is continuing.