Caretaker Richard Nel died after receiving burns to 90 percent of his body and a contractor Robin Tubman was seriously injured in the blast at Orewa College, north of Auckland, on June 24 last year.
In North Shore District Court yesterday, the school's board of trustees was ordered to pay Mr Nel's family $75,000 in reparations and costs of $6100, while Mr Tubman was awarded $55,000 in reparations and $729 in costs.
Department of Labour northern region manager John Howard said the incident was preventable, and a reminder of why workplace health and safety was very important.
"Unfortunately, the Orewa College Board of Trustees did not ensure the school's boiler facilities were repaired, modified and maintained in a safe and effective manner," he said.
Mr Howard said about 40 percent of New Zealand schools used boilers for heating, and that the department, the NZSTA and the Ministry of Education had been working to reinforce the need for boiler safety.
"We are working together to make sure boards of trustees understand what is required of them to manage boilers safely and effectively -- this includes an annual independent inspection, a regular maintenance contract and making sure boiler operators are trained," he said.
"We all think it important that school boards take steps to ensure no further events of this nature."
In a statement, NZSTA president Lorraine Kerr said yesterday's judgment had brought some key issues into focus.
"It's a tragic event and the impact has been significant for all. We need to learn from that going forward to avoid this being repeated."
Ms Kerr said boards had been advised to review their health and safety procedures annually across the whole of the school, and specifically look at boiler use.
Those using boilers were told to ensure they had a regular maintenance contract and that their boiler operators were trained, as well as have independent inspections done annually.
NZSTA had requested a review of the codes of practice regarding boilers as well as clearer guidance from the ministry.
