The Council of Trade Unions (CTU) has won a second private prosecution over the death of a forestry worker.
The family of Charles Finlay holding a vigil in Tokoroa on 9 August to protest against proposed changes to workplace safety law. Photo: Supplied
The CTU took a case against the employer of Eramiha Pairama, 19, who was killed by a falling tree near Whakatane in January 2013. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment had chosen not to prosecute.
In the Tauranga District Court yesterday, Judge Robert Wolff found Puketi Logging guilty of failing to take all practical steps to ensure a safe working environment for Mr Pairama.
Last week the CTU won a similar case against the employer of Tokoroa log-loader driver Charles Finlay, who died later in the same year.
CTU president Helen Kelly said the prosecutions showed how important leadership was in reducing the accident rate in industries like forestry.