The terms of reference for an investigation into whether
failings by staff of the former Ministry of Economic
Development contributed to the deaths of 29 men in an
explosion at Pike River mine have been released today.
They were released following a damning report from a royal
commission of inquiry into the tragedy that found mine bosses
had placed production ahead of safety.
The report highlighted failings at the former Department of
Labour, now part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and
Employment.
Ministry chief executive David Smol called for an
investigation into:
- Any actions, or inactions of individual employees connected
with the issue of the mining permit and/or the discharge of
health and safety functions that may have contributed to the
tragedy
- Any systemic failings within the former Department of
Labour and/or the former Ministry of Economic Development
that may be identified as having contributed to such actions
or inactions of individual employees
- Whether any such actions of inactions may warrant a formal
employment investigation.
The investigation will be carried out by David Shanks from
the Ministry of Social Development and another person, yet to
be decided.
The investigation will provide information to Mr Smol about
whether a disciplinary process should be initiated with any
employee.
A final report will be delivered no later than February 28.
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