A 31-year-old worker, Mitchell Pool, was fatally crushed while on the job at an Ōtorohanga engineering firm. Peter Gray Engineering was sentenced in the Te Kuiti District Court on February 19, 2026, following the December 2023 incident.
Workplace Safety Failures Identified
The sentencing follows an investigation by WorkSafe NZ into the circumstances surrounding Pool’s death. The investigation revealed that the work area had not been adequately prepared for the movement of a nearly two tonne press brake. A forklift could not be used, and workers instead relied on moving skates, a stacker, and a farm jack.
During the move, one of the skates became lodged in a crack in the concrete floor, causing the press brake to become unstable and topple, fatally crushing Pool. WorkSafe’s investigation found several critical failures, including a lack of a task-specific risk assessment, unclear load limits, and the use of unsuitable equipment.
Implications for Small Businesses
WorkSafe NZ highlighted that this incident exemplifies a common issue in smaller workplaces. Jobs outside of routine operations are often undertaken without sufficient planning, appropriate equipment, or clear safety protocols. Nigel Formosa, WorkSafe central regional manager, stated, “Small businesses often rely on experience and problem solving on the job. But when heavy machinery is involved, improvising can have fatal consequences.”
Judge Matenga ordered Peter Gray Engineering to pay reparations of $140,000.04 and a fine of $9000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the press brake to fall?
The press brake toppled after one of the moving skates caught in a crack in the concrete floor.
What equipment was used to move the press brake?
Workers used moving skates, a stacker, and a farm jack to move the press brake, as a forklift could not be used due to inadequate preparation of the work area.
What did WorkSafe NZ say about the incident?
WorkSafe NZ stated that the incident highlighted a risk seen too often in small workplaces: jobs that fall outside day-to-day routines are tackled without enough planning, the right equipment, or clear safety controls.
What steps can businesses take to prevent similar tragedies in the future?
