According to a heavily redacted investigation report, WorkSafe recommended the prosecution of Christchurch Boys’ High School’s Board of Trustees for breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
On 17 May 2023, a report was signed off by inspector Darren Young and principal inspector and investigator Sean Millar in the wake of a WorkSafe investigation into psychosocial harm at the school, after it had been contacted by or identified between 8 to 16 staff members that formed part of the investigative process.
Department of Labour Health and Safety Inspector Paul West endorsed the investigators’ findings being given to a panel to decide on whether to charge the board. A King’s Counsel was expected to do a legal review and to provide advice to “the decision maker and the panel”.
WorkSafe told The NZR that “You will also note that the report also recommends prosecution. This did not eventuate. Following a review of the investigation file, it was agreed that the investigation did not uncover enough evidence to file charges under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015”.…
WorkSafe found “the culture at Christchurch Boys’ High School over the period in review constituted an emotionally and psychologically unsafe environment resulting in various levels of distress and harm for the staff that raised concerns.”
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