A single charge has been laid against Auckland Council by Worksafe New Zealand over the death of a 19-year-old refuse worker employed by one of its contractors.
The New Zealand Herald says Auckland Council has confirmed the charge but will not comment on the matter as the case is before the courts.
In August 2015, refuse worker Jane Devonshire (19) died when a rubbish truck owned by council contractor Onyx went over a cliff on Auckland’s North Shore suburb of Birkenhead.
The Herald believes the charge laid by Worksafe New Zealand is under the health and safety act for failing to take all practicable steps to ensure contracted workers are not harmed.
The legal action follows a call from the Devonshire family for the council to be held responsible, and for barriers, fences, or a road mirror to be erected, so a similar tragedy is avoided in future.
Auckland Council is due to appear in North Shore District Court on March 18.
