WorkSafe prohibits activities

WHANGAREI: ¯ Highrisk activities outside the Whanga¯rei Boys’ High School classroom have been formally prohibited by WorkSafe until proven they can be safely managed.

WorkSafe began an investigation on Wednesday last week, the day after Karnin Petera went missing as the cave he and 14 other classmates were in flooded to head height in minutes. His body was found that evening.

The school, which had already voluntarily paused education outside the classroom (EOTC) activities, was issued both a prohibition notice and an improvement notice.

WorkSafe head of specialist interventions Catherine Gardner said the prohibition notice only applied to activities defined in the school’s EOTC management procedures as occurring in higherrisk environments, such as caving.

Dr Gardner said the notice would remain in place until WorkSafe was satisfied the risk could be safely managed.

The improvement notice requires the school to review its EOTC system by June 14.

‘‘WorkSafe understands the concern that exists about student safety outside the classroom following last week’s tragedy at Abbey Caves,’’ Dr Gardner said.

‘‘Students should be able to participate safely, and parents must have confidence their rangatahi will be kept safe.’’

Dr Gardner said WorkSafe encouraged schools nationwide to reflect on their own systems and processes for EOTC to meet the legal requirements.

Earlier this week, Whanga¯rei Boys’ High School principal Karen GilbertSmith said offsite school visits, events and sporting trips were immediately paused after the incident until they discussed further trips with WorkSafe.

Education Outdoors New Zealand has been asked to review the school’s EOTC procedures, she said.