Maritime Union notes guilty plea following Lyttelton port death

The Maritime Union of New Zealand has noted the guilty plea of the Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) to charges laid by Worksafe following the death of port worker Brad Fletcher in August 2014.

He died after the collapse of a scissor lift during his work in maintenance.

Brad Fletcher was the President of the Lyttelton Branch of the Maritime Union of New Zealand and a highly respected member of the community.

Maritime Union of New Zealand Lyttelton Branch Secretary Les Wells says the death was a tragedy for the family, and the wide circle of friends and workmates of the local man.

He says that more progress must be made on health and safety in New Zealand ports.

The Maritime Union has called for a national inquiry into port safety due to the high number of deaths, serious harm injuries and accidents in the port sector.