Fatal health and safety breach costs Auckland business $4 million

Jamie Bowring.
Photo: Facebook

A South Auckland business will pay out a multi-million pound settlement over a workplace death in 2015.

Jamie Bowring, 24, died after a tank explosion at a hazardous substances plant in Weary.

The Auckland High Court on Monday ordered Salters Cartage Limited and its owner Ronald Salter to forfeit $4 million.

The decision came after the Commissioner of Police filed an application for confiscation of the proceeds under the Proceeds of Crime Recovery Act (CPRA).

The seven-week trial was due to begin last week, but the parties involved instead began negotiating a settlement.

The court agreed with police that Salter and his business benefited financially from failing to properly handle hazardous substances and ensure worker safety.

Bowring’s mother Sarah Ferguson said Salter minimized his role in the events that led to her son’s death.

“This case was something more than just incorrect execution of some documents. His behavior before and after that day was beyond acceptable.”

“Greed cannot come before safety.”

Detective Inspector Lloyd Schmid said he was aware of concerns from businesses about the use of civil forfeiture for health and safety offences.

“The police do not intend to routinely use the CRPA for breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

“This case, brought primarily on the basis of hazardous substances violations, had a number of unique features and aggravating circumstances, including the tragic death of a young man.

“However, police will consider any future cases on a case-by-case basis.”

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