Firm fined over beekeeper's fatal crash

The employers of a young beekeeper killed in a quad bike accident have been ordered to pay $60,000 to his parents – who work for the same company.

The Labour Department says the prosecution should remind firms of their legal responsibility to keep staff safe. The company accepted the death could have been avoided and was also fined $78,000.

Jody Santos, 21, had been working with Masterton-based PA and SC Steens Honey for only two weeks when the quad bike he was riding rolled on a road at Riversdale Beach on August 19, 2008. He died in Wellington Hospital the following day.

Mr Santos, who had never ridden a quad bike before, had been sent with three others to check hives. They normally used a four-wheel-drive, but weather conditions were bad and a quad was supplied.

He was given basic instructions on how to use one and, within hours of setting off without a helmet, he was found beneath the overturned vehicle on a driveway entrance.

Mr Santos' parents, who are specialists in rearing queen bees, could not be contacted for comment yesterday.

At the time of their son's death, they were contracted workers, who spent different times of the beekeeping season overseas. They now work fulltime for PA and SC Steens.

The company was prosecuted in Masterton District Court and admitted one charge of failing to take all practicable steps to ensure an employee's safety.

By law, all employees must ensure workers are trained and certified as being able to drive quad bikes safely.

PA and SC Steens general manager Carl Humphries said changes had been made and the loss of Mr Santos, the son of two valued workers, had caused a great deal of grief.

"We were devastated and the company came to a standstill. We have learned from the tragedy. Everyone goes through an approved outside training course and then repeats it with an internal training system and no-one can ride without a helmet now."

Labour Department central regional manager Brett Murray said that, although accidents involving inexperienced quad bike riders were not uncommon, the death of Mr Santos was especially bad, as he had no experience whatsoever.

A coroner is investigating.

- © Fairfax NZ News