Ski lift safety standards to be scrutinised

Ruapehu Bulletin, 7 September 1990, Page 3

Ski lift safety standards to be scrutinised

The safety standards for all New Zealand ski field workers may come under closer scrutiny after the recent Turoa Skifields accident where a lift operator, Mr Craig Spittal, 20, suffered two broken legs when they were crushed between the cable and bull wheel of a Wintergarden platter lift. The accident raised several concerns about the safety standards on skifields, said Palmerston North Occupational Safety and Health branch manager Phil Mclntosh. He said it was a particularly nasty accident which could have been avoided had other procedures been put in place. He said the accident raised questions about a number of aspects of ski field operations where workers are at risk and that time needed to be spent looking at operating procedures, safety practice, supervision, and training. Mr Mclntosh said a breakdown in communication between the accident victim and another worker had led to the accident. The Bulletin understands Mr Spittal is expected to recover from his injuries, but he may be in hospital for five months or more. He has said he wants to return to his job at Turoa next season.