Staff at Lyttelton Port are to undergo intensive Health and Safety training following a spate of accidents last year.
Two men died and another was seriously injured between November and December.
At the time, company management rejected union claims the port had become unsafe due to congestion caused by quake repairs and heavy traffic volumes.
Organiser for the Rail and Maritime Union John Kerr says about 35 staff will begin training next week under the guidance of the Council of Trade Unions.
Mr Kerr says the staff come from a number of companies involved with the port and the Lyttelton Port company will cover the costs.
Port chief executive Peter Davie says a newly-appointed health and safety manager will begin work on Monday.