'Human error' no excuse for workplace accidents

'Human error' no excuse for workplace accidents
WorkSafe and the courts are getting tougher on workplace accidents, says Joe Edwards. (Image: Supplied)
Pattrick Smellie
Businesses that investigate workplace accidents and simply conclude there was “human error” involved are doing it wrong, says the chair of the Mining Extractive Health & Safety Council – MinEx – Joe Edwards.“If you investigate an incident and start by reviewing the injured person you will always see a human error was the final cause of the incident.“Concluding investigations at that point will deliver limited or nil improvement in safety.”Moreover, Edwards believes a spate of workplace deaths l...

More Law & Regulation

Northland telco fights OneNZ–Uber deal
Law & Regulation

Northland telco fights OneNZ–Uber deal

‘Quite cynical incursion’: Northland telco fights OneNZ–Uber partnership in court.

Kiwibank eyes a fairer fight with the Aussie big four
Finance

Kiwibank eyes a fairer fight with the Aussie big four

Kiwibank, partway through a $500m capital hike, sells growth and culture stories.

FNZ case adds plaintiffs in latest legal twist
Finance

FNZ case adds plaintiffs in latest legal twist

Employee shareholders at FNZ are using a second entity.

Victoria Young 22 Oct 2025
ANZ heads to court as select committee splits active litigation
Finance

ANZ heads to court as select committee splits active litigation

ANZ NZ consumer-finance case rumbles on as $300m settlement still on offer.

Andy Macdonald 21 Oct 2025