Former Ports of Auckland chief executive Tony Gibson has been fined $130,000 and ordered to pay $60,000 in costs over the 2020 workplace death of stevedore Pala’amo Kalati, who was crushed by a falling container.
Gibson was found guilty of failing to exercise due diligence under the Health and Safety at Work Act, marking the first conviction of a CEO of a major corporation under this law.
The prosecution argued that Gibson was aware of critical safety risks at the port but failed to act, while the defense maintained that he was a well-intentioned leader who lacked full awareness of safety breaches.
Judge Steve Bonnar KC said Gibson had the power and responsibility to enforce safety measures but fell short, noting systemic failures at the port.
The ruling sets a precedent for corporate accountability in workplace safety.
The ruling sets a precedent for corporate accountability in workplace safety of lavishly remunerated CEOs while the law clique is taking it’s own fat profit cut.
It’s a club and we are not part of it.
Yes pity there wasn’t some accountability for the Pyke River cover up !