A Canterbury adventure centre faces court exactly one year after a nine-year-old Hokitika Primary School student sustained severe burns during an incident in Amberley.
As first reported by Chris Lynch Media the boy was seriously injured when a methylated spirits stove malfunctioned at a rural adventure centre.
Two others, including another student and a parent, also suffered burns in the incident.
The boy spent weeks in intensive care and underwent months of extensive rehabilitation.
His aunt told Chris Lynch Media that he has now returned to school and was doing well.
WorkSafe Inspectorate Head Rob Pope, confirmed to Chris Lynch Media that a charge had been filed this week in relation to the serious burns suffered by the boy in November 2023.
“We recognise the bravery of this young victim, who has endured multiple surgeries and continues to live with the effects of his burns,” Pope said. “WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities to keep people healthy and safe. Businesses and organisations must manage their risks, and when they do not, we will hold them to account.”
Following an extensive investigation, WorkSafe filed a charge under sections 36(2), 48(1), and 2(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
The charge relates to a failure to ensure, so far as was reasonably practicable, the health and safety of others during the outdoor cooking activity.
The maximum penalty is a fine not exceeding $1.5 million.
“The charged entity has not been identified, as it has the right to seek name suppression when the case is first called in the Christchurch District Court” Pope said.
In an email to parents, Hokitika Primary School’s Board Presiding Member, Sally Shaw, said “having cooperated fully with WorkSafe’s investigation into the incident, we have been informed by WorkSafe that they are not laying charges against the School Board.
“Our thoughts remain with the injured pupil, his whānau, and others who have been deeply affected by this event.”
Shaw said the board and school continue to offer support to those affected and expressed gratitude to the community for their support during the challenging time.
