KiwiRail has been ordered to pay $110,000 to a contractor injured while on the job.
The digger operator was struck by a train in the central North Island on June 17, 2014, and suffered serious life-long injuries in the incident.
The man was working for Downer on the Raurima Spiral, in National Park, when his vehicle was hit by a north-bound goods train that had been given permission by KiwiRail track workers to pass through the site.
He suffered a traumatic brain injury and severe chest and lung trauma. Even after 12 months of care his prognosis remains poor and he still requires 24-hour hospital care.
KiwiRail yesterday pleaded guilty to charges relating to its failure to ensure employees – including subcontractors – were kept safe while working.
An investigation by WorkSafe New Zealand identified numerous failures by the state-owned company, with WorkSafe NZ's chief inspector Keith Stewart saying the accident was completely preventable.
"Every worker has a right to trust that their employer is looking out for their safety and that the necessary safety precautions and systems for managing potential risks are in place.
"Multiple failings by KiwiRail have had a devastating impact on the victim's life. He continues to live with these tragic consequences to this very day."
WorkSafe NZ ordered the company to pay the reparations to the victim's family.
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