Whakaari update – GNS sentencing
GNS acknowledges and accepts the sentencing today by Judge Thomas.
This relates to a charge under section 49 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. GNS Science acknowledges that there should have been a more structured exchange of information with helicopter operators about the risk presented by travel to and from Whakaari on GNS staff trips.
This charge and today’s sentence are not related to the tragic events which occurred on 9 December 2019.
GNS has undertaken an independent health and safety review. The recommendations of that review have either already been, or are in the process of being implemented.
We take health and safety very seriously. Rigorous planning is a core element of much of our science work, and we are grateful for any opportunity to improve.
GNS extends its ongoing sympathy to the survivors, the families of the victims, and the emergency responders and recognises the ongoing impacts of the 2019 eruption.
For more information:
GNS Science media team, media@gns.cri.nz