Fulton Hogan faces charges following the death of roadworker Brian Barnes, who was struck by a speeding truck while moving cones on State Highway 23 near Hamilton in February 2023.
Truck driver Michael Stacy was sentenced last month for careless driving causing death, with investigations revealing the truck’s brakes were significantly below standard and it was travelling at nearly twice the posted speed limit.
Worksafe has charged the company under three sections of health and safety law, alleging the company’s failures exposed workers to serious risk. Similar charges were also filed against Independent Traffic Control Ltd. Barnes’ daughter highlighted her father’s prior concerns about the dangers of speeding trucks at work sites.
While Worksafe and police lead the investigations, NZTA is prepared to review findings to determine if further regulatory action is necessary. Fulton Hogan previously took steps to improve site safety after a similar fatal incident five years ago but has declined to comment on the current case.
