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Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: First Chest Pain Centre in Hong Kong receives national accreditation (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    First Chest Pain Centre in Hong Kong receives national accreditation  
         QMH began preparations for establishing the Chest Pain Centre in 2023, aligning with the Policy Address initiative to establish Hong Kong’s first chest pain centre at QMH according to national accreditation standards, aimed at improving the diagnosis process and treatment outcomes for cardiovascular patients. QMH experts subsequently visited various chest pain centres on the Mainland to learn from their experience and processes in managing cardiac patients. Mainland experts were also invited to Hong Kong to exchange insights in preparation for developing operational procedures. Hong Kong’s first chest pain centre at QMH commenced operations in November 2024. Following national accreditation standards, the centre has improved the diagnosis process for acute high-risk cardiac patients, including those with acute myocardial infarction, while promoting national chest pain centre certification as an international standard. These standards encompass standardised management, treatment efficiency improvement, and interdepartmental collaboration.
     
         The Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Tony Ko, said, “QMH’s successful accreditation according to national standards validates its professional expertise in acute cardiac care and strengthens the HA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing cardiac services in public hospitals. The HA maintains a patient-centred approach, continuously improving healthcare service quality through multidisciplinary collaboration, streamlined treatment processes, and innovative technology adoption.”
     
         Dr Ko added that QMH Chest Pain Centre’s successful experience will serve as an important reference for developing similar services across other HA clusters. The HA will continue to invest resources to enhance service efficiency and quality, providing better healthcare services for the public.
     
         The China Chest Pain Centre Accreditation Committee recently sent experts, including the Chairman of the China Chest Pain Centre Expert Committee, Professor Huo Yong, and the Chairman of the China Chest Pain Centre Executive Expert Committee, Professor Xiang Dingchen, to conduct an on-site evaluation at QMH. The experts affirmed QMH Chest Pain Centre’s appropriate timing control for patient examinations and treatments, standardised and efficient overall processes, and reasonable patient care pathways, reflecting that the centre meets all certification requirements for proper handling of acute cardiac patients.
     
         The Hospital Chief Executive of QMH, Dr Theresa Li, thanked the Mainland expert team and the Health Bureau for their support in establishing Hong Kong’s first chest pain centre and obtaining national accreditation. Dr Li said, “Every step in the treatment process is interconnected and affects patient outcomes. The accreditation standards strictly regulate each component, requiring close cooperation between different departments to ensure smooth implementation. With the completion of QMH’s new building, both hardware and software capabilities have been enhanced, which we believe will help patients secure golden treatment time and improve survival rates and post-operative recovery.”
     
         Dr Li also expressed gratitude to the various hospital teams for their efforts in establishing and achieving accreditation for the Chest Pain Centre.
     
         The HA will continue to optimise services and, drawing from QMH’s experience, establish a second chest pain centre at Prince of Wales Hospital according to national accreditation standards. The goal is to build a chest pain treatment network in Hong Kong to improve diagnostic efficiency, enhance treatment effectiveness, and increase patient survival rates.
    Issued at HKT 16:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sharing Knowledge on Clinical Advances at Hospital Authority Convention (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

         The Hospital Authority (HA) Convention 2025 begins today for three consecutive days (May 26 to 28) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, in both in-person and online formats. This marks the first time the convention has been extended to three days, making it the HA’s largest-scale event to date. Approximately 190 overseas, Mainland and local distinguished speakers will exchange expertise on various healthcare topics with over 8,000 participating healthcare professionals and academics, achieving record-high participation levels.
     
         The HA Convention this year is focusing on the HA’s core values, namely People-centred Care, Professional Service, Committed Staff and Teamwork. Topics include healthcare development, smart hospitals, artificial intelligence, organ transplantation, cancer management, and innovation technology in support of staff training. The HA convention aims to promote the sharing of knowledge and experience on clinical advances and approaches to modern healthcare service, and facilitate exploration and discussion of contemporary concepts among healthcare professionals and stakeholders.
     
         The convention was officially opened this morning by Vice-Minister of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China Professor Cao Xuetao; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau; the HA Chairman, Mr Henry Fan; and the HA Chief Executive, Dr Tony Ko.
     
         In his address, Mr Chan said that the HA has been continuously reforming and enhancing service efficiency and quality through its professional team and robust management system. Notably, the Institute for Medical Advancement and Clinical Excellence (IMACE), which brings together different areas of expertise from Hong Kong’s healthcare sector, was formally established this May.
     
         “The HA will be very much involved in the IMACE’s research work, collaborating with other major public and private healthcare institutions to collect data and cases for detailed deliberations on clinical practices in the screening, diagnosis, treatment and management of various diseases, evaluating the efficacy of various medical options, and devising clinical guidelines and standards for healthcare professionals. This collective effort aims to enhance Hong Kong’s healthcare service standards for the benefit of patients throughout Hong Kong.”
     
         In his welcome address, Mr Fan said that 2025 marks the commencement of an era of reformation at the HA. A key initiative is supporting the Government’s public healthcare fees and charges reform aimed at rationalising public hospital services, reducing wastage and misuse, and enhancing support for patients with financial difficulties.
     
         Mr Fan said, “2025 is a crucial year for the HA’s reform initiatives. Facing challenges such as an ageing population, an increase of chronic diseases, and rising medical costs, the HA needs to undergo fundamental reforms to meet public needs, enhance service efficiency, and maintain the sustainability of the public healthcare system while building a public healthcare system that meets the needs of the community that enhances the well-being of citizens.”
     
         Additionally, the HA established the Review Committee on the Management of the Public Hospital System last year, proposing 31 recommendations to strengthen governance, enhance accountability, and foster a culture of safety. Building on this foundation, in order to advance reform, the HA further established a high-level Governance and Structure Reform Committee (Reform Committee) last year to provide strategic guidance, oversight, and reform advice to promote the sustainable development of healthcare services.
     
         Mr Fan continued, “Among the many topics that the Reform Committee will be looking into, remuneration structure, financial management and clinical management are particularly crucial. This includes introducing the concept of ‘more contribution, more gain’, with remuneration commensurate with performance and contributions to provide motivation for colleagues, reviewing the financial management system to achieve cost savings, and utilising modern technology to optimise clinical outcomes.”
     
         Delivering his keynote address at the opening ceremony, “Advancing Sustainable Excellence”, Dr Ko reviewed the HA’s 35 years of experience and shared his vision for a sustainable, patient-centred public healthcare system.
     
         “With a rapidly ageing population, swift medical technological advancements, and unpredictable threats of global pandemics, we must remain proactive in driving bold reforms. Digital transformation is central to our strategy in addressing rising healthcare demands. The HA is committed to enhancing digital innovation, integrating big data and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to improve service efficiency and performance while enhancing both patient and healthcare staff experiences,” Dr Ko said. 
        He said that the HA Go mobile application continues to stand as a transformative patient empowerment platform, significantly improving patient experience through technology. “HA Go now has over 3.1 million registered users, empowers patients with easy access to self care and direct interaction with healthcare services. HA Go streamlines the patient journey through offering seamless features such as outpatient appointment management, registration, payments, digital queuing updates, all accessible within a few clicks. The platform also provides patients with options for medication delivery services, which embodies our patient-centred service mission”, Dr Ko said.
     
         He emphasised, “While technology advances, staff remain the irreplaceable core of quality healthcare services. We are committed to providing our staff members with opportunities for personal growth and professional development. The HA sponsored more than 2,600 staff members to participate in training programmes in various places in 2024/25. Through immersive exchange and training initiatives, our healthcare professionals have gained valuable exposure to diverse clinical practices and perspectives. Such experiences foster mutual learning and encourage broader horizons for all staff.”
     
         In addition to retaining and cultivating existing personnel, Dr Ko said that it is equally important to reach out to new talent from outside. The HA actively recruits non-locally trained doctors and nurses. As of mid-March this year, nearly 300 non-locally trained doctors have joined the HA team, nearly double in comparison to last year. Following the Nurses Registration (Amendment) Ordinance 2024, more than 100 non-locally trained nursing candidates have also been employed, further reinforcing Hong Kong’s clinical capabilities. Over 240 individuals have taken part in expanded clinical exchange programmes, while more than 100 Chinese Medicine practitioners in the HA received training from Mainland experts.
     
         Dr Ko stressed that the HA must highlight the deep collaboration with counterparts in the Mainland, which is vital to the growth and evolution of the local healthcare landscape. A key area of collaboration is enhancing services for major diseases such as cardiac illnesses and strokes. To drive integrated and high-quality care, the HA is establishing chest pain centres and national stroke centres, harmonising treatment protocols and elevating outcomes through national accreditation. The first chest pain centre in Hong Kong at Queen Mary Hospital has been established according to national accreditation standards, further optimising treatment options for cardiovascular patients.
     
         “In line with the Chief Executive’s policy direction to enhance Hong Kong’s healthcare standards, the first batch of public hospitals, including Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital, have been awarded accreditation status under the China’s International Hospital Accreditation Standards (2021 Version). To ensure consistent quality improvement across hospitals throughout the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, three additional acute hospitals will embark on their accreditation journey in 2025-26, further strengthening their international presence and raising the quality and safety of healthcare services.”
     
         In conclusion, Dr Ko said, “We are living in an era of profound transformation. Let us uphold the spirit that ‘reform is an ongoing journey’, embrace technological innovation, sustain healthcare excellence, optimise resource allocation, and enhance service efficiency and quality to swiftly respond to the community’s evolving needs.” He expressed confidence that with the determination of all members of the HA and the support from the community and partners, the HA will collectively shape a brighter, more sustainable future for in public healthcare.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH’s Community Dental Support Programme provides subsidised dental services for underprivileged over all 18 districts in Hong Kong

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    DH’s Community Dental Support Programme provides subsidised dental services for underprivileged over all 18 districts in Hong Kong 
    Service users of the CDSP must be a holder of a Hong Kong identity card, be enrolled in the Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHealth), and be a current beneficiary or recipient of any of the following measures:
     Under the CDSP, each service user can apply for subsidised dental services once every 180 days. Subject to the assessment by the attending registered dentist, a service user will be provided with specified subsidised dental services, including:
     Each service user is required to pay an administration fee of $50 directly to the NGO for each tooth (teeth filling or teeth extraction services), that is, a maximum fee of $150 is required (treatment for a maximum of three teeth will be provided for every 180 days). If the service user receives IHCS (Frail Cases), EHCCS or HSS (Level 1 fee charge or co-payment category) of the SWD, or is eligible under the Medical Fee Waiver (full waiving) of the HA (including recipients of OALA aged 75 or above), the Government will subsidise the administration fee in full. While current beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme under the SWD may apply for the CDSP for the above-mentioned subsidised dental services, they can also make use of the dental grants under the CSSA to receive comprehensive dental services.

    Interested and eligible persons can refer to the list of NGO dental clinics participating in the CDSP on the DH’s thematic webpage 
    Through the eHealth app, service users can check their consultation records, including consultation date and treatment items. Later this year, relevant electronic oral health records will also be available through the e-Health app for service users to better understand and monitor their dental conditions.
     
    The Government formulated the Oral Health Action Plan according to the development strategies and recommendations made by the Working Group on Oral Health and Dental Care in December 2024. The CDSP is an initiative that focuses on providing subsidised dental services to the underprivileged who have difficulties in accessing dental care.
     
    For more information about the CDSP, please visit the DH’s CDSP     webpageIssued at HKT 16:40

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Port industry welcomes Approved Code of Practice for loading and unloading cargo at ports and on ships

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    The port industry enthusiastically welcomes the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for loading and unloading cargo at ports and on ships coming into effect today, November 29.

    For the first time, all commercial ports in New Zealand now have a code of practice approved by the Minister to follow. The ACOP replaces all other existing industry codes of practice related to stevedoring.

    The Port Health and Safety Leadership Group – made up of ports and stevedoring companies, the Port Industry Association, unions and Maritime NZ – is pleased to see one of its key priorities under its multi-year work programme to address inconsistency of practice and reduce harm on New Zealand’s ports, come into force.

    The ACOP has now been signed by the Minister for Work Place Relations and Safety, Hon Brooke van Velden, and the Associate Minister for Transport, Hon Matt Doocey.

    A criticism of the current health and safety system from several industries’ leaders has been that it does not have the regulations, approved codes of practice and guidance to support businesses to understand what they need to do to comply with the law.

    Leadership Group Chair, Director of Maritime NZ, Kirstie Hewlett, said the ACOP provides assurance and clarity under the Health and Safety at Work Act. If a business can show what they have done is equivalent to or better than the requirements in the ACOP, then they are likely to be meeting the test of what is reasonably practicable under HSWA.

    Maritime NZ will take the ACOP into account when undertaking inspections, assessments and investigations and when deciding the appropriate enforcement action. Courts may also take the ACOP into account in their deliberations.

    The National President of the Rail and Maritime Transport Union, Aubrey Wilkinson, said the focus is rightly on loading and unloading ships because that is the most dangerous activity on ports – it is when most incidents and injuries happen.

    Port Industry Association Chair, Pat Kirk, said development of the ACOP has been strongly supported by the port sector. It has involved a large amount of work and effort from the sector, there is collective buy-in of the sector to it, and it will make a significant impact on the health and safety on ports.

    Demonstrating the level of buy-in, and collaborative approach taken, the ACOP took only 15 months to develop and reach agreement on. In addition, many businesses on ports are already considering how to implement and integrate it into their health and safety systems and processes, and some are already implementing it.

    We would like to thank all the industry and WorkSafe subject matter experts who gave their time to the development of the ACOP.

    Alongside the ACOP, the Leadership Group are working on further guidance, case studies, and educative tools and training to support implementation of the ACOP.

    – Port Sector Insights Picture and Action Plan

    In 2022 the Port Health and Safety Leadership Group developed the Port Sector Insights Picture and Action Plan so that we could target actions based on evidence.

    The plan pulls together information from fatalities, injuries, incidents, near-misses, regulatory notifications, investigations and assessments, worker surveys, and worker interviews and workshops to build a picture of what drives serious harm on ports – who it is happening to, and why. It lays out six key interventions where changes can have a real impact:

    • Putting in place an ACOP for loading and unloading cargo to implement more consistent regulatory standards for some of the highest risk activities on ports. (ACOP approved.)
    • Implementing the Fatigue Risk Management System: Good Practice Guidelines to reduce the risks associated with worker fatigue. (All businesses on ports have started implementing a fatigue risk management system.)
    • Recommending the Government extend Maritime NZ’s designation to cover the whole port. (Government has amended HSWA. Maritime NZ’s extended designation takes effect July 1.)
    • Action to improve training and workforce issues. (Initial micro credentials have been referred to NZQA for review and approval, and a roles and skills matrix is being developed, which will identify additional training and build career pathways.)
    • Work to improve incident reporting, notifications, insights and learning across the Ports, so the sector can get better real time understanding of harm and take necessary action. (Work is underway.)
    • Actions to ensure there are easier ways of sharing good practice that the sector is doing here, or overseas, to encourage continuous improvement on Ports. (Work is underway.)

    “We owe it to those working on ports every day, the people who have died, their families, and those who have been injured, to improve safety on ports.”

    The Leadership Group:

    Jon Moore Chief Executive, North Port

    Roger Gray Chief Executive, Port of Auckland

    Gavin Hudson Chief Executive, C3 Limited

    Aubrey Wilkinson National President Rail and Maritime Transport Union

    Carl Findlay National Secretary, Maritime Union of New Zealand

    Pat Kirk Chair, Port Industry Association

    Paul Cameron Chief Executive, ISO Limited

    Kirstie Hewlett Leadership Group Chair and Director of Maritime NZ

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and safety obligations highlighted in sentencing of former port chief executive

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    A chief executive who oversaw the Port of Auckland for more than a decade has been sentenced on 21 February, in a significant case in relation to a 2020 fatal incident at the port.

    In November last year, Judge Bonnar KC in the District Court at Auckland released a decision finding Tony Gibson guilty of one Health and Safety at Work charge, after stevedore Pala’amo Kalati was killed in August 2020.

    This is the first time in New Zealand an officer of a large company has been convicted of a breach of their due diligence duty.

    The Judge’s decision is seen as one that clarifies legislative health and safety obligations for officers of large companies.

    Maritime NZ Director, Kirstie Hewlett, says people are at the centre of prosecutions such as this, and Mr Kalati’s family, will forever feel the impact of what occurred at the Port of Auckland nearly four and a half years ago.

    “Our thoughts continue to go out to Mr Kalati’s family, friends, as well as those also impacted by this tragic incident, including the other surviving victim.

    “This has not been a quick process, and we fully understand how difficult the ongoing proceedings against the Port and Mr Gibson would have been for those close to Mr Kalati, and the other victim,” says Ms Hewlett.

    The District Court found that, as the chief executive of Port of Auckland, Mr Gibson did not exercise his due diligence responsibility for ensuring that the Port complied with its health and safety responsibilities.  

    “This was a serious departure from the duty of care he should have provided to the workers at the port as the senior officer in charge (the chief executive).

    “Mr Gibson had the knowledge, influence, resources and opportunity to address safety gaps and ensure that appropriate systems were in place at the port, but failed to do so,” Ms Hewlett says.

    During his more than a decade managing it, the port company was convicted of several offences under health and safety legislation. These past incidents resulting in fatalities and serious injuries.

    Mr Gibson knew of safety issues raised around the critical risks that could hurt people on the Port, but did not take timely action to address them, even though it was in his control and influence to do so.

    It is hoped this case will serve as a strong reminder to chief executives of large companies that they need to understand the critical risks at their businesses; and assure themselves, through reliable sources, that there are controls and systems in place, and that these are working effectively on the ground.

    “In saying this I recognise there are many officers in New Zealand who are meeting their health and safety obligations, and they should be confident this decision reaffirms the work they do to keep their people safe at work.

    “More broadly I also want to recognise the work of the Port sector- port companies, stevedores and unions since the death of Mr Kalati to improve safety on New Zealand ports. This work has included the delivery of the Approved Code of Practice (for loading and unloading cargo at ports and on ships) which was launched last year to ensure consistent base line safety standards. It is important that this work continues to ensure we prevent tragedies like this and that workers come home healthy and safe,” Ms Hewlett says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 5.23.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 23, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Andrew “Tristan” Peery, of Sacramento, has been appointed Senior Product Manager at the Office of Data and Innovation. Peery has been Director of Web and Interactive Communications at University of California, Davis since 2020, where he was previously Web Applications Development/Web Designer from 2014 to 2020. He held multiple positions at Oregon State University from 2006 to 2013, including Researcher/Web Applications Developer and Graduate Research Assistant. Peery was a Staff Scientist at Woods Hole Group from 2001 to 2005. He earned a Master of Science degree in Physical Oceanography from Oregon State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science from Texas A&M University at Galveston. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $150,348. Peery is registered without party preference. 

    Ramank Bharti, of Napa, has been appointed Director of Risk Management and Project Controls at the California High Speed Rail Authority. Bharti held multiple positions at ALSTOM Inc from 2004 to 2025, including Project Director, United States West Coast Services, Site Controller, Services North America, Region Controller, Controller, Budgeting and Reporting, and Work Package Controller. He was a Program Director at Transportation and Transit Associates from 2003 to 2004. Bharti was an MBA Intern at the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority from 2002 to 2003. He was a Deputy Chief Mechanical Engineer at the North Eastern Railway from 1996 to 2001. Bharti was a Manager, Industrial Engineering at Diesel Component Works from 1992 to 1996. He was a Mechanical Engineer at Northern Railway from 1990 to 1992. Bharti earned a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Railway Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $225,000. Bharti is a Democrat.

    Kevin Parzych, of San Luis Obispo, has been appointed Chief of Primary Care Services at Atascadero State Hospital. Parzych has been Chief Medical Officer at Wilshire Health and Community Services since 2013 and Owner of Wilshire Connected Care and K Parzych a Medical Corp since 2017. He was Medical Director of Hospice at Good Shepard Homecare and Hospice from 2004 to 2013. Parzych was Owner of Parzych Family Practice from 2002 to 2013. Parzych earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from Albany Medical College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Connecticut. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $374,400. Parzych is registered with no party preference.

    Madelynn McClain, of Sacramento, has been appointed Director of the Division of Administrative Services at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. McClain has been Assistant Deputy Director of the Division of Adult Institutions at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation since 2024. McClain held several positions at the Department of General Services from 2023 to 2024, including Deputy Director of the Real Estate Services Division and Chief Financial Officer. She held several positions at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation from 2020 to 2023, including Deputy Director at the Office of Fiscal Services and Associate Director of the Budget Management Branch. McClain was a Principal Program Budget Analyst at the California Department of Finance from 2017 to 2020. She was a Judicial Fiscal Supervisor at the Judicial Council of California from 2015 to 2017. McClain was a Finance Budget Analyst at the Department of Finance from 2003 to 2015. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $208,440. McClain is a Democrat.

    Raul Morales, of Visalia, has been appointed Warden at Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison. Morales has been Acting Warden at Substance Treatment Facility and State Prison since 2024. He was Acting Warden at Valley State Prison in 2024. He held several positions at Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison from 2001 to 2024, including Chief Deputy Warden, Associate Warden, Captain, Correctional Lieutenant, Correctional Sergeant, and Correctional Officer. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $193,524. Morales is registered without party preference. 

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    May 23, 2025

    News What you need to know: The City of Tustin received a new water treatment system filtering “forever chemicals,” or PFAS, from local drinking water. TUSTIN – As the federal government announces plans to weaken regulation of “forever chemicals” in drinking water,…

    May 23, 2025

    News What you need to know: California is providing $56 million in grants to help counties provide services for young adults at risk of homelessness. SACRAMENTO – Continuing California’s success in reducing homelessness in youth, Governor Gavin Newsom and the…

    May 23, 2025

    News What you need to know: Six canine officers joined the force to fight back against crime and drug trafficking — the first class trained from day one to detect fentanyl. Sacramento, California – After months of specialized and intensive training, six K-9 teams…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Charter boat operator sentenced over fatal incident

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    A company’s failure to ensure health and safety policies and procedures were correctly followed played a key role in the tragic death of a passenger on a luxury charter vessel.

    Zefiro Charters Limited was today sentenced in the District Court at Auckland for a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, in relation to the death of Danielle Tamarua on 1 April, 2021, after she fell overboard off the Zefiro. At the time Ms Tamarua was on the vessel with work colleagues on a trip around the Hauraki Gulf.  

    Maritime NZ’s General Manager Investigations, Pete Dwen says the company had been operating the Zefiro for 17 years, and it had policies and procedures in place to keep passengers safe while it was underway.  

    “Tragically these procedures were not followed on 1 April, 2021,” he says.  

    In accordance with the Maritime Operator Safety System, Zefiro Charters’ was operating under a Maritime Transport Operator Plan (MTOP).  This plan identified various health and safety risks, including the hazard of passengers being on the bow of the vessel while it is underway. Ultimatley, the company failed to ensure the systems and processes in the MTOP were properly implemented and enforced on board. 

    “All crew members are meant to know, understand and enforce the health and safety procedures on the vessel.  

    “The MTOP plan also covered a safety briefing which stated passengers were not allowed on the bow, side decks or the duckboard (the very rear of the boat) while it is underway.  

    “Some crew were unaware it was a policy for the vessel,” Mr Dwen says. 

    There was also a lack of a physical barrier for the passengers indicating the no-go areas. 

    Prior to Ms Tamarua falling overboard, the vessel was returning to berth, and weather conditions had worsened.  Ms Tamarua had gone up to the bow of the vessel with another passenger.  

    “When returning to go back inside the vessel, Ms Tamarua slipped and fell overboard. She was struck by the vessel and died, despite the efforts to save her.

    “If the prescribed health and safety procedures were followed, this incident would have likely been avoided,” Pete Dwen says.  

    “This should have been a fun day out on the water. This incident is a horrific example of what can go wrong when a company fails to ensure health and safety procedures are followed. 

    “I want to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ms Tamarua, as well as those on-board the Zefiro on 1 April, 2021. 

    “I also want to thank the emergency service personnel who responded quickly and professionally to a very difficult situation,” Pete Dwen says.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Risks of berthing highlighted in sentencing of barge operator

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    A range of factors have been identified as contributing to an incident where a barge crew member was fortunate to survive.

    Nelson Ranger Fishing Company Limited was recently sentencing in the District Court at Christchurch for failing to comply with its duties under the Health and Safety to Work Act 2015.  

    The company, was in 2023 operating the mussel barge, St George. A crew member of the barge was injured while retrieving berthing lines (lines connecting the barge to the wharf) at Lyttelton Port.  

    The St George was crewed by five people.  

    Issues with the company’s safety systems for berthing (1), failings around training and supervision of the crew, and monitoring of procedures were identified as factors in the incident which saw the crew member suffering crushing injuries.  

    “There is risk when berthing a vessel of any type. In this instance the appropriate steps were not undertaken to ensure the safety of the crew,” Investigation’s Manager at Maritime NZ, John Maxwell says.  

    To manage the tidal changes when berthing, Nelson Ranger Fishing Company Limited installed nails on the wharf piles to secure the lines. The system meant on occasion, crew members needed to lean over the side to tie and untie the lines of the vessel while berthing, putting their bodies between the vessel and the wharf. This is what occurred the day the crew member got crushed between the barge and the wharf. 

    While the victim was leaning over the railing and attempting to untie the line, the St George drifted back into the wharf and crushed the victim’s head and neck between the side of the barge and the wharf pile.  

    “This was an incredibly serious incident, and it is very fortunate we are not talking about a fatality,” John Maxwell says.  

    There were other safe options available which could have enabled the crew to securely and safely retrieve berthing lines.  

    The berthing process was identified as a hazard in the vessel manual. With injury to crew listed as a risk.  

    “Unfortunately, this incident is an example of the consequences of what happens when berthing is incorrectly undertaken.  

    “This should serve as a strong reminder to everyone in the maritime industry, from recreational right through to commercial, full attention needs to be given when coming alongside,” John Maxwell says.  

    ENDS  

    Sentencing notes:  

    Nelson Ranger Fishing Company Limited was fined $250,000 and ordered to pay costs of $10,000.  

    Terminology:  

    Berthing: (bringing a vessel alongside to its allotted location at the wharf) 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Judge finds former CEO guilty of HSWA charge in relation to fatal port incident

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    A court’s decision this week to find a former Port of Auckland (POAL) CEO guilty in relation to the death of a stevedore, clarifies legislative health and safety obligations for senior officers of large companies.

    Following the death of Pala’amo Kalati in August 2020, Maritime NZ filed two alternative charges against former POAL CEO Tony Gibson under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), for a breach of his duties as an officer. Mr Kalati was killed in an accident while loading containers on a ship berthed at the port.

    Judge Bonnar found in favour of Maritime NZ on the charge that alleged: that by failing to comply with his duty under s 44 to exercise due diligence to ensure that POAL complied with its duties under HSWA, Mr Gibson exposed POAL’s stevedores to a risk of death or serious injury, namely, the risk of being struck by objects falling from operating cranes.

    POAL was also charged and previously pleaded guilty to two charges under section 48 of HSWA and was sentenced in late 2023 to a fine of $561,000.

    Maritime NZ Director Kirstie Hewlett says she hopes this decision helps bring closure for Mr Kalati’s loved ones and the surviving victim, and clarity to the health and safety role of senior officers in large companies.

    “I want to extend our deepest sympathies to Mr Kalati’s family, loved ones, and colleagues. And also to the other victim who was working closely with Mr Kalati at the time,” she says.

    “The law Mr Gibson was prosecuted under was introduced following the Pike River tragedy to ensure officers of large companies take responsibility for the health and safety of their workers. We hope this result provides useful case law and clarification around the obligations, and helps prevent future tragedies.”

    This was the first time an officer of a large complex company had been charged under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, for a breach of health and safety duties.

    “Once we have time to considered the judgment we will work with WorkSafe NZ and the Institute of Directors to see whether the insights in the case could usefully be used to further support those in officer roles to understand their responsibilities,” Ms Hewlett says.

    “It is important to recognise that many officers in New Zealand take health and safety seriously and that this case was only taken after considering the harm caused, the compliance history on the port, and taking into account the broader public interest. As with any case it is important to understand the facts are specific to the case and what a reasonable Chief Executive would do in that situation.”

    Maritime NZ will now take time to consider the judgement and await to learn if Mr Gibson will appeal. We will not be able to comment further at this time.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hospital Authority and National Conference of University Hospital General Managers of France sign declaration of intent (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

    The Hospital Authority (HA) and the National Conference of University Hospital General Managers of France signed a three-year declaration of intent today (May 26) to strengthen collaboration and exchanges between the two parties in various areas of hospital management and development, including promoting green hospital initiatives and the development of smart hospital, coping with an ageing population, and research and innovation.
     
    The signing ceremony was held during the HA Convention 2025. The Special Envoy of the President of the National Conference of University Hospital General Managers, Mr Frédéric Rimattei, and the HA Chief Executive, Dr Tony Ko, signed the three-year (2025-2028) declaration of intent, witnessed by the Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Mrs Christile Drulhe; the Counsellor for Health, Social Affairs and Labor from the Embassy of France in China, Mr Romain Jacquet; the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau; and the HA Chairman, Mr Henry Fan.
     
    The National Conference of University Hospital General Managers is composed of 32 university hospital centres in France, covering about 40 per cent of the public healthcare services in the country, and is responsible for promoting the development of medical education and clinical research. Mr Fan said that there is ample room for collaboration between the two parties in various healthcare-related areas. The signing of the declaration of intent has laid the foundation for various collaborative initiatives in the future.
     
    Mr Fan said, “The French public healthcare system is highly acclaimed internationally, and we have much to learn from each other. I look forward to deepening our collaboration in the future, particularly in the areas of sustainable development of the healthcare system, application of smart technologies, talent exchange and training, as well as research and innovation to jointly enhance the quality and standards of healthcare services.”
     
    The President of the National Conference of University Hospital General Managers, Mr Philippe El Saïr, said, “We are delighted to embark on an extensive collaboration with the HA. I believe that both parties will leverage their respective strengths, share experiences and expertise in various aspects of hospital management and development, and promote in-depth exchanges among healthcare professionals in the two places, as well as explore opportunities for clinical research collaboration in different areas.”
     
    Going forward, the HA and the National Conference of University Hospital General Managers will organise regular meetings to plan various collaborative initiatives in detail, and actively arrange reciprocal visits and exchange activities to jointly foster the development of healthcare services in both places.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: KiwiRail sentenced for Interislander ferry Kaitaki’s 2023 loss of propulsion south of Wellington

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    The Kaitaki ferry lost propulsion on its approach into Wellington Harbour on 28 January 2023, with more than 800 people on-board. It then issued a mayday.

    When the mayday was issued, passengers were called to muster, lifejackets were supplied to those on-board.

    The ferry then re-gained limited power, and made its way to port in Wellington, where its passengers were able to safely disembark and come ashore.

    At the time, there was strong southerly winds, with gusts of up to 45 knots and swells of three metres around the entrance to Wellington Harbour.

    If the anchors didn’t hold, the vessel could have grounded at Sinclair Head.

    The incident was caused by a failure of a rubber expansion joint. This resulted in the Kaitaki’s main engine shutting down, leaving the ferry adrift.

    Maritime NZ Director, Kirstie Hewlett, says this was a very dangerous incident, and it is good to see KiwiRail take accountability by pleading guilty.

    “There were significant failings that caused the ferry to lose power.

    “Poorly managed maintenance and processes on the Kaitaki meant its passengers, crew and the environment were put at risk.

    “All operators need to ensure their vessels are well maintained, regularly serviced and properly managed,” Ms Hewlett says.

    “This is an alarming example of what can go wrong when maintenance is poorly managed.

    “We have been clear to KiwiRail about our expectations around the management of its fleet, and KiwiRail has undertaken significant work since,” Ms Hewlett says.

    Editor’s Note:

    KiwiRail was fined $412,500 for its breach under the Health and Safety at Work Act. and was ordered to pay $20,000 costs. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary for Health attends various events at Hospital Authority Convention highlighting Hong Kong’s role as “super connector” (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Secretary for Health attends various events at Hospital Authority Convention highlighting Hong Kong’s role as “super connector”  
         Professor Lo said, “Hong Kong enjoys the distinctive advantages of having strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world under ‘one country, two systems’. The HA Convention fully capitalises on Hong Kong’s international and professional advantages in the healthcare field in providing a broad platform for participants from the Mainland and overseas to exchange and share experiences in hospital management and healthcare services, and facilitate communication and networking between industry players from different parts of the world, demonstrating Hong Kong’s important role as a ‘super connector’.”
     
         At the opening ceremony, Professor Lo also witnessed the successful national accreditation of the Chest Pain Centre of Queen Mary Hospital, making it the first chest pain centre in Hong Kong established in accordance with the national accreditation standards while demonstrating national healthcare service standards to the international community. He said, “The establishment of a chest pain centre can improve the efficiency of diagnosis of acute chest pain and speed up the time for patients to receive cardiac surgery, thereby improving patient care, including lowering the death rate, shortening the length of hospitalisation and reducing the rate of hospital readmission. The adoption of the national accreditation standards by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will also facilitate integration into the overall national development by fully utilising Hong Kong’s advantage of having strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world, with a view to demonstrating the excellence of the national healthcare standards to the international community, and helping promote the development of the national accreditation standards of chest pain centre into an internationally recognised standard.”
     
         Over the course of the Convention, Professor Lo met with multiple delegations from the Mainland and overseas and attended various events, taking the opportunity to promote medical co-operation and exchanges between Hong Kong and other regions.
     
         Professor Lo subsequently met with the Director-General of the Health Commission of Guangdong Province, Mr Liu Liqun, and his delegation to explore the exchange of healthcare talent between the two places, and to exchange views on healthcare collaboration projects, such as the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme and the cross-boundary use of electronic health records.
     
         After the meeting, both sides attended the welcoming ceremony for the Mainland Healthcare Talents Visiting Programmes. Professor Lo is pleased to note that since the launch of the visiting programmes in 2022, 80 outstanding doctors and two batches of a total of about 170 nurses from the Mainland have come to the HA on exchange, while more than 25 specialists in organ transplantation, cardiology, orthopaedics, neurology, rare diseases and pathology have also been arranged by the HA to conduct exchanges at public hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong. He said, “The Mainland Healthcare Talents Visiting Programmes have effectively facilitated bilateral on-site clinical training and exchanges between healthcare professionals of the two places and broadened their horizons through mutual learning, thereby complementing each other’s strengths in terms of healthcare personnel and clinical services, and enhancing the quality of healthcare services of both places.”
     
         Afterwards, Professor Lo and the Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Mrs Christile Drulhe, jointly witnessed the signing of the Declaration of Intent between the HA and the National Conference of University Hospital General Managers (CNDG) of France, which formally establishes a strategic collaborative partnership between the two organisations in deepening mutual exchanges, promoting the joint development of hospital services and exchange of medical expertise. As a vital component of the French public healthcare system, the CNDG is covering 40 per cent of the public healthcare services in France. Its delegation shared the cutting-edge experience in green hospitals and hospital innovation at the HA Convention.
     
         Professor Lo will continue to meet with multiple delegations coming to Hong Kong to attend the HA Convention tomorrow.
    Issued at HKT 19:48

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Lyttelton Port Company sentenced over 2022 fatal incident

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    The dangers of working with high risk machinery have been highlighted in the sentencing of a major South Island port company.

    Today (31 July, 2024), the Lyttelton Port Company was sentenced in the Christchurch District Court after last November pleading guilty to one charge under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. The charge was filed by Maritime NZ, after stevedore Don Grant was killed when he was struck and killed by coal, on the deck of the bulk carrier ETG Aquarius, in April 2022.

    “We want to extend our condolences to Mr Grant’s family, friends and colleagues. This was a tragic incident that should never have occurred.

    “It is good Lyttelton Port Company took responsibility and pleaded guilty,” Maritime NZ Director Kirstie Hewlett says.

    About 1.2 million tonnes of coal is exported via LPC every year. The machinery used to move coal onto ships at the port has been in service for just over 50 years.

    Don Grant was struck and killed when coal was being moved from the port via a conveyor belt, and loaded onto the ship by a jet-slinger. The jet-slinger propels coal into the ship’s hold.

    At the time of the incident, Mr Grant was working as a “hatchman,” and was stationed on the deck of the ship. In this role, he was giving directions via radio to the operator of the ship-loader, as to where the flow of coal should go into the hold of the ship. Mr Grant was following LPC’s procedures, and was standing in the position he was trained to.

    “Our investigation found several safety failings by LPC in the management of risks for workers involved in the loading of coal.

    “Included in the range of issues identified by the investigation was the hatchmen being located within the potential firing line of the jet-slinger. This meant if it was re-positioned, or moved without their knowledge, they’d be at risk of being struck by the coal.

    There were a range of steps LPC should have taken to have provided a safe working environment.

    “Loading coal is a known high-risk activity for LPC, and there were a lack of controls and policies in place around this specific activity.

    There should have been more controls in place to reduce the potential of harm when coal was being loaded onto vessels at the port,” Ms Hewlett says.

    Since the incident, LPC has made changes to reduce the risk of hatchmen being struck by coal. These include, hatchmen standing in a designated safe zone, rules around when the coal can be poured to keep workers safe, and increasing CCTV overview.

    “Since April 2022 there has been significant work across the ports sector to improve health and safety.

    While this doesn’t change what has happened. We want to assure those working on ports and their families that improving health and safety on New Zealand’s ports has been a major priority” Ms Hewlett says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Safety failings highlighted in Debbie Jane case

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    A number of safety failings have been identified following the sentencing of a fishing vessel skipper in Christchurch.

    Skipper David Atkinson has been sentenced in the Christchurch District Court, under the Health and Safety at Work Act, after the vessel Debbie Jane ran aground at Christchurch’s Waimairi Beach, in December 2019.

    The incident happened after Mr Atkinson became disoriented during a fishing trip between Akaroa Harbour and Nelson.

    As well as David Atkinson, a 73-year-old retired teacher and a 41-year-old woman were also on-board. Neither of them had any commercial fishing experience; nor had they been thoroughly inducted before or after boarding the vessel.

    Investigation’s Manager at Maritime NZ, John Maxwell says several significant failings eventually led to the vessel running aground and the skipper and two crew needing to be rescued.

    “David Atkinson’s lack of knowledge about the vessel, its electronic equipment meant he was unable to make the right decisions when the vessel got into trouble, as it neared shore,” John Maxwell says.

    A lack of induction for the crew meant they were unable to assist either.

     “It is essential crew are provided a thorough induction, including where to find and how to use safety equipment such as lifejackets and emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBS),” he says.

    This did not occur on the Debbie Jane.

    “If they knew where the beacons were, when to use them or how to request help, assistance could have come to the vessel before it reached land,” John Maxwell says.

    Skippers must also be mindful of their knowledge limitations and capabilities when skippering vessels, and of their maritime ticket and what it  allows them to do.

    Mr Atkinson, who was 66 at the time of the incident, held a coastal launch masters certificate but had not worked as a fisherman since 2004.

    “Skippers who have spent a long-period of time off the water should look at training to familiarise themselves with being on the water again,” John Maxwell says.

    Court documents show he had two days as a skipper in 2018, employment that was cut short over concerns about his abilities on that vessel.

    Sentencing note:

    David Atkinson was fined $3000, plus $120 court costs.

    In 2022, the owner of the vessel and sole director of Hatherly Fishing Limited, Jeremy Hatherly was sentenced under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

    This was for failing to exercise due diligence to ensure HFL complied with its duty to ensure the health and safety of its workers. His failures included failing to assess Mr Atkinson’s experience to ensure he was competent to skipper the vessel, failing to provide adequate training to the skipper and crew and not ensuring the safety equipment on the vessel was in working order.

    He was ordered to pay $11,000 reparation to two members of the crew.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Maritime NZ extends health and safety role at 13 major ports

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    Starting 1 July 2024, a significant shift in New Zealand’s port health and safety has taken place with Maritime NZ becoming the primary regulator for the country’s 13 major ports.

    Maritime NZ Chief Executive Kirstie Hewlett says the extension of Maritime NZ’s Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) designation represents a significant opportunity for the regulator and those operating on ports to enhance safety and prevent harm for port workers.

    “Having one primary regulator on ports, as recommended by the Port Health and Safety Leadership Group, will enable better engagement with many of the businesses on ports around all elements of their operation and support better management of high-risk activities, ultimately reducing harm to those working on ports”.

    “As a risk-based regulator, we focus on areas where there’s clear evidence of harm. Our goal is not just to respond to harm, but to work with others to prevent it from occurring in the first place,” says Ms Hewlett.

    “We will continue our work, collaborating closely with the Port Health and Safety Leadership Group, to actively support the sector to take preventive actions and put in place strong safety controls, to support people who work on ports return home safe to their families.”

    Over the last several months, Maritime NZ engaged widely with the port sector on how the designation could work well in practice and what it will mean for those working on the 13 major ports. Port profiles that show the coverage of Maritime NZ’s role on ports have been produced.

    Ms Hewlett says that Maritime NZ has set up a dedicated HSWA team to implement the new designation and is building on existing frontline capability and expertise, including risk management and health and safety systems.

    Maritime NZ and WorkSafe have solidified their partnership and commitment to improving safety on ports, with a Memorandum of Understanding in place that details how they will work together on ports after 1 July 2024.

    WorkSafe New Zealand Chief Executive Steve Haszard says it makes sense to simplify processes for port workers with the transfer of regulator responsibilities to Maritime NZ.

    “Port environments are high risk and there are clear health and safety benefits to having a single regulator on major ports. In practice this means most notifiable incidents will now go straight to Maritime NZ.

    “WorkSafe will be focused on other high-risk sectors and will still have a presence on ports as we retain responsibility for major hazard facilities and managing authorisations and exemptions. Our role in the oversight of inland ports across Aotearoa and any activities under the Gas Act, Electricity Act, and Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act is unchanged.

    “We will continue to work closely with Maritime NZ to support better work health and safety outcomes in New Zealand’s major ports.”

    Notes to editors

    The designation extension was recommended by the Port Health and Safety Leadership Group in its Port Sector Insights Picture and Action Plan. This plan was developed based on feedback and data collected from workers and port businesses following the tragic deaths of two port workers in Lyttleton and Auckland in 2022.

    Maritime NZ’s designation covers the port areas inside their boundary fence where access is restricted by a security gate, and adjacent buildings, installations, structures, or equipment used in connection with the port’s operation or administration.

    WorkSafe retains responsibility for regulating major hazard facilities on ports and for managing authorisations and exemptions under HSWA. WorkSafe will continue to regulate inland ports across New Zealand, and any activity explicitly named in legislation or regulations, such as in the Electricity and Gas acts (1992). In performing its regulatory role on major ports, Maritime NZ will inform WorkSafe of any issues with Authorisations and Exemptions it becomes aware of.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Maritime NZ statement on Enchanter decision

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    The sinking of the Enchanter was a tragic incident in which five people lost their lives.

    The vessel capsized after being struck by a large wave on 20 March, 2022 off the Northland coast.

    At the time, it had 10 people on-board and was returning from a charter fishing trip at the Three Kings.

    Five people survived, after an EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacon) was activated, and they were winched off the boat’s debris by a responding rescue helicopter. The search and rescue effort, coordinated by Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre was significant, and included responders from NZDF, Police, Coastguard, local vessels and Northland and Auckland rescue helicopter trusts.

    In May (2024), Skipper, Lance Goodhew faced a judge-alone trial, after Maritime NZ filed one charge under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

    This morning, 22 July, 2024, Judge Philip Rzepecky released his decision, which found in favour of Enchanter’s skipper Lance Goodhew.

    General Manager Investigations at Maritime NZ, Pete Dwen says this has been a difficult two years for a huge number of people.

    “I want to extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the five victims, and all of their loved ones. As well as the survivors, responders and everyone else impacted by this tragic incident.

    “We want to assure everyone the decision to file a charge against Mr Goodhew, as the skipper, was a considered one, and our investigations and legal teams worked hard to present this case,” Mr Dwen says.

    It is too soon to say whether the decision will be appealed. 

    “We will now take some time to review the Judge’s decision, then consider what the next steps may be,” Pete Dwen says. 

    Maritime NZ wants to thank those who have taken time to work with it on the proceedings taken in relation to this incident.

    We will not be commenting further at this time.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious injury a stark reminder of risks when operating on vessels involved in mussel harvesting

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    Maritime NZ is urging operators to have steps in place to reduce the risks to their workers when machinery is operating.

    This comes after an employee of Paddy Bull Limited suffered a serious injury to their arm during a post mussel-harvest clean-up operation while accessing the inside of a mussel tumbler on one of the operator’s (Paddy Bull Limited’s) barges, the Riptide.

    The incident occurred on a mussel farm, on the Coromandel in January 2023.

    Earlier this month (July, 2024), Paddy Bull Limited was sentenced in the District Court at Auckland under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, for breaching their duties, by exposing a worker to the risk of death or serious injury.

    Marine mussel farms work by growing mussels on ropes, which are then hauled onto a barge, stripped off the rope, and cleaned in the mussel tumbler.

    The tumbler is an essential piece of purpose-built machinery, which needs to be cleaned after each mussel harvest in order to remove any debris that may be left inside.

    “The worker removes the debris by hand, and the tumbler should be turned off when it was being cleaned.

     “The particular tumbler was not configured to automatically shut off if the door is open,” Maritime NZ, Investigation’s Manager, John Maxwell says.

    Prior to the incident, the victim noticed a bit of seaweed left inside the tumbler and reached in to grab it. Another worker, who was in the vessel’s cabin, went through the usual process of turning the vessel on, which immediately restored power to the tumbler. The victim’s arm was still inside the tumbler and got caught in the fast turning machinery causing significant injury.  

    “If the machinery had been configured in a way that stopped the tumbler from turning on while its doors were open, the incident would not have happened,” says John Maxwell.

    Following the incident, Paddy Bull Limited had the engineering controls modified on the tumbler to prevent an incident like this happening again.

    Maritime NZ strongly recommends operators take a proactive approach with managing the risks in their operations, and have the correct procedures in place to protect their employees.

    Sentencing notes:

    For a breach of s48 under the Health and Safety at Work Act, 2015 for exposing a worker to the risk of death and serious injury, Paddy Bull Limited was fined $180,000 and ordered to pay victim reparation and court costs.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Skippers need to undertake checks prior to departure

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    The prosecution of a charter boat skipper is highlighting the need for operators to ensure they are properly prepared for their journeys.

    Skipper of the charter vessel Pelagic Kieren Boyle was recently sentenced in the Wellington District Court for a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act, in relation to the vessel running out of fuel off the coast of Gisborne.

    On 6 June 2022, Boyle took four customers and another crew-member on a charter fishing for tuna.

    About seven hours and 27 nautical miles off the coast of Gisborne, the vessel ran out of fuel.

    Maritime NZ’s Manager, General Regulatory Operations Central, Jarred McCarthy says failing to ensure a vessel has enough fuel for a journey puts everyone on-board at risk.

    “If a vessel runs out of fuel while operating, the vessel and everyone on board will be at the mercy of the weather and conditions at sea unless or until they can be rescued.

    “This is not a risk worth taking. Weather at sea can change quickly and running out of fuel can increase the risk of capsize, passenger injury due to a lack of stability, and the vessel drifting; causing those on-board to potentially run out of supplies,” he says.

    In the vessel’s pre-voyage check there is an instruction to check the fuel levels.

    “This clearly didn’t take place adequately or properly prior to departure. Passengers going on charter trips have a right to believe proper procedures are being followed prior to departing and during their expedition.

    “This wasn’t the case on this trip,” Jarred McCarthy says.

    SENTENCING NOTES:

    Kieren Boyle was fined $3900 at sentencing.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: One charge filed against KiwiRail in relation to the Kaitaki Ferry loss of engine propulsion incident

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    Maritime NZ has filed one charge against KiwiRail this week in relation to the January 2023 loss of propulsion incident involving the Interislander ferry, Kaitaki .

    The Kaitaki lost power on its approach into Wellington Harbour on 28 January last year, with more than 800 passengers and 80 crew on-board. It then issued a mayday. After regaining limited power, the ferry made its way to port where its passengers were able to safely leave it and come ashore.

    Maritime NZ, the maritime and designated health and safety regulator for such incidents, subsequently investigated the loss of power incident. This week one charge was filed under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 in relation to the incident by Maritime NZ, against the operator, KiwiRail.

    “The investigation took 12 months; it involved reviewing the operator’s organisational information relevant to processes and procedures connected to safety and maintenance management, undertaking interviews and examining the Kaitaki after the incident occurred,” Maritime NZ Director, Kirstie Hewlett says.

    “Material was then comprehensively reviewed before the decision was made to prosecute,” she says.

    As this matter is now before the courts, Maritime NZ cannot make any further comments about the ongoing proceedings.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stevedoring company investing in training and research following enforceable undertaking

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    An enforceable undertaking between Maritime NZ and stevedoring company SSA, is set to benefit a range of groups including port workers, emergency responders and health researchers.

    In December 2021 a Maritime NZ investigation commenced after an SSA stevedore, who was working at height and guiding containers into position on a container ship, was pinned between a swinging container and another one behind him.

    Maritime NZ’s investigation found that the worker was wearing a harness to work at height without a safety line and relied on clipping himself to lashing bars using a single lanyard/clip.

    This meant the stevedore was unable to move away from the swinging container, and into a safer position.

    “We know working at height is a critical risk area for causing harm at ports. We agreed to the enforceable undertaking as it proposed a range of benefits for a variety of different groups,” Maritime NZ’s General Manager Investigations, Pete Dwen says.

    An enforceable undertaking is an agreement between Maritime NZ and a duty holder (operator) made under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA). It is entered into voluntarily by the duty holder following a breach (including an alleged breach) of HSWA and, once in place, is legally binding. It is generally used as an alternative to prosecution. It must include appropriate amends to victims, and commitments that would promote health and safety at that work place, the wider industry and the community.

    The $285,000 undertaking will see SSA develop courses to improve safety of those working at heights, implement changes to reduce risks on mobile plants, and improve training for first responders attending incidents at ports.

    “A key part of the undertaking will be to improve sector training through the development of a working-at-heights training programme.”  

    “Education is a critical part of improving safety, and we are glad to see SSA proactively working to promote safer practices and reduce instances of harm,” Mr Dwen says.

    Responders from Fire and Emergency will benefit too, with funding set aside to develop a port response training course.

    “Fire and Emergency personnel are often called upon to respond to incidents at ports, and it is important they understand how ports work and the risks at them,” Pete Dwen says.

    As well as the industry and port-focused initiatives, SSA will fund a Massey University study targeting soft tissue injuries.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Maritime NZ’s response to TAIC’s report on safety at ports

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    Health and safety on ports is a major priority for Maritime NZ.

    “Everyone has the right to be safe when they go to work,” Maritime NZ’s Director, Kirstie Hewlett says.

    “Any incident on a port is one too many, and everyone at Maritime NZ extends their thoughts to those who have been injured at ports, as well as to the friends and families who have lost loved ones.”

    TAIC makes a number of recommendations aimed at improving safety standards on ports. Currently, Maritime NZ and WorkSafe share designation overseeing health and safety at ports, several of the recommendations are directed to the two regulators.

    From 1 July 2024, Maritime NZ will take over the designation as the sole regulator on ports.

    “We partially accept two of the recommendations that have been directed to us by the Commission, and fully accept the other two” Ms Hewlett says.

    “It recommends the regulators aim to take a more proactive role in driving safety on ports. We partially accept this recommendation, as we believe our assessments focused on critical risks on ports, with WorkSafe NZ, is proactive monitoring activity and looks at individual operators. We agree that there is always more opportunity to work proactively and we welcome the additional funding that comes with our designation extension from 1 July 2024, so we can carry out more proactive monitoring on ports.

    We are proud of the proactive work we have done with the sector through the Port Health and Safety Leadership Group. This group, made up of both regulators, and Chaired by Maritime NZ, has port and stevedore chief executives, the Port Industry Association, and unions and has built a relationship of trust and made significant progress on health and safety on ports.

    The Leadership Group earlier this year released a Port Sector Insights Picture and Action Plan to make ports safer. The insights pictures shows where, and why harm is happening on ports. The Plan was created from operator and regulator incident and notification data, and also worker perspectives. It outlines actions to address these harms. Significant progress has been made on implementing some of the actions since it was released.

    Two of these actions show the Commission’s recommendations are already being implemented. Work is continuing to develop more consistent safety standards on ports, with a draft Approved Code of Practice for loading and discharging cargo on ports and on ships currently out for consultation.

    The Leadership Group also has actions underway to continuously improve safety and share good practice. This includes completion of a platform where people can access new safety technologies, and the development of a work programme on good practice guidance that will sit under the ACOP. The Leadership Group is working to ensure this information is accessible for the industry and the workers.

    A further action under the plan is to improve workforce training, capability and understanding of risks. This includes whether future standards will be backed by the regulator (Maritime NZ), as recommended by TAIC. Decisions on this potential backing will need to be made by the relevant ministers.

    “The critical thing for us all to remember is that Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility and we want there to be a culture in the sector that reflects the need to take a safety-first approach to operations. We look forward to continuing our collaborative work with operators and workers on ports to improve safety,” Ms Hewlett says. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fishing company to offer watchkeeping training following enforceable undertaking

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    An enforceable undertaking between Maritime NZ and a North Island fishing company is helping to fund a range tools to help improve safety knowledge in the commercial fishing sector, and assist in training of rescue organisations.

    Following the grounding of the Bilyara, on Ohinau Island off the Coromandel in April 2020 Maritime NZ started an investigation into the incident.

    The investigation found the grounding put the lives of the crew and the environment at risk.

    It was established that the Penwarden Holdings owned vessel grounded due to the crew failing to properly keepwatch. 

    “We know watchkeeping issues contribute to a significant number of incidents for commercial operators,” General Manager Investigation, Pete Dwen says.

    An enforceable undertaking is an agreement between Maritime NZ and a duty holder (vessel owner or operator) made under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA).

    It is entered into voluntarily by the duty holder following a breach (including an alleged breach) of HSWA and, once in place, is legally binding.

    It is generally used as an alternative to prosecution. It must include appropriate amends to victims and commitments that would promote health and safety at that work place, the wider industry and the community.

    The near $190,000 undertaking will see Penwarden Holdings develop training modules for personnel in the industry. These resources will be used by both the company and the wider sector. The training is expected to be available in about 12 – 18 months’ time. The modules will be advertised via industry publications.

    Pete Dwen says the enforceable undertaking was agreed to as it proposed a range of benefits for a variety of different groups.

    “The nature of the proposals demonstrate benefits to the workplace, community and industry. In particular the resources to be developed in respect of watchkeeping, aligns with Maritime New Zealand’s strategic focus,” he says.

    As well as the development of the modules, Penwarden Holdings will supply a vessel for training exercises to the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, and donate $35,000 to the response charity.

    “Response agencies such as ARHT play a significant role in helping those in need, and we know being able to undertaking a training exercise on a vessel such as those operated by Penwarden Holdings will be hugely valuable,” Pete Dwen says. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Port of Auckland Limited sentenced over fatal 2020 incident

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    Sentencing of major port company a reminder of the risks on New Zealand’s ports.

    Today, Port of Auckland Limited (POAL) was sentenced after pleading guilty to two charges under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. The charges were filed by Maritime NZ after stevedore Pala’amo Kalati was killed by a falling container on 30 August 2020.

    Following the death of Mr Kalati, a comprehensive investigation was undertaken by Maritime NZ. Everyone involved and the staff at Maritime NZ wish to extend their condolences to Mr Kalati’s family and to his co-worker who was in the vicinity with him at the time of the incident.

    Maritime NZ Director, Kirstie Hewlett says his death was a manifestation of the risk caused and contributed to by POAL’s failures around stevedore safety.

    “Those failures were long standing and systemic, putting many stevedores at risk for an extended period of time,” Ms Hewlett says.

    Changes were also made to processes around the time of the incident due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This lessened the oversight while undertaking work such as what was occurring when the incident happened.

    Prior to the incident occurring, Mr Kalati and a colleague were working on board as lashers discharging containers from the MV Constantinos P. A crane was operating adjacent to the two men. It was lifting pairs of containers off the vessel when a third container was accidentally lifted as well. The third container detached and fell, killing Mr Kalati.

    “While nothing can bring Mr Kalati back to his family or change the impact on his co-worker, who was also present. This tragic incident as well as two other fatal incidents in April 2022, highlighted the need to review and make changes to health and safety on New Zealand ports.

    “It is good to see POAL take responsibility for its actions and pleading guilty.

    “Over the last 20 months, Maritime NZ alongside our partners in the Port Health and Safety Leadership Group has undertaken a significant programme of work to reduce harm on New Zealand’s ports.

    “Since the Leadership Group was set-up POAL has and continues to be a key contributor in the work to bring down instances of harm on New Zealand ports.

    “We want there to be a culture in the sector that reflects the need to take a safety-first approach to operations.

    “Port workers need to be safe at work,” Kirstie Hewlett says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Health chief attends HA convention

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau today attended the opening ceremony of the Hospital Authority (HA) Convention 2025 and met multiple high-level delegations from the Mainland and overseas for in-depth exchanges on healthcare co-operation and development.

    At the opening ceremony, Prof Lo witnessed the successful national accreditation of the Queen Mary Hospital Chest Pain Centre, making it the first chest pain centre in Hong Kong established in accordance with the national accreditation standards.

    He said the establishment of a chest pain centre can improve the efficiency of acute chest pain diagnosis and speed up the time for patients to receive cardiac surgery, thereby lowering the death rate, shortening the hospitalisation period and reducing the hospital readmission rate.

    The health chief also noted that the adoption of the national accreditation standards by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will also facilitate integration into the overall national development by fully utilising Hong Kong’s advantage of having the motherland’s  strong support and close connection with the world, with a view to demonstrating the excellence of the national healthcare standards to the international community, and helping promote the development of the national accreditation standards of chest pain centres into an internationally recognised standard.

    Over the course of the convention, Prof Lo met multiple delegations from the Mainland and overseas and attended various events, taking the opportunity to promote medical co-operation and exchanges.

    Among others, Prof Lo met Guangdong Health Commission Director-General Liu Liqun and his delegation to explore the exchange of healthcare talent between the two places, and to discuss healthcare collaboration projects, such as the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme and the cross-boundary use of electronic health records.

    After the meeting, both sides attended the welcoming ceremony for the Mainland Healthcare Talents Visiting Programmes.

    Prof Lo was pleased to note that since the 2022 launch of the visiting programmes, 80 outstanding doctors and two batches of about 170 nurses in total from the Mainland have come to the HA on exchange, while more than 25 specialists have also been arranged by the authority to conduct exchanges at public hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong.

    Afterwards, Prof Lo and the Consul General of France in Hong Kong & Macau Christile Drulhe jointly witnessed the signing of the Declaration of Intent between the HA and the National Conference of University Hospital General Managers of France.

    The signing of the declaration formally establishes a strategic collaborative partnership between the two organisations in deepening mutual exchanges, promoting the joint development of hospital services and exchange of medical expertise.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: European Week Against Cancer: supporting patients, from prevention to treatment

    Source: European Union 2

    This week marks European Week Against Cancer (25-31 May). Under its Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the EU has provided support to millions of people affected by cancer across the Union. It funds actions on cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment to improve patients’ outcomes.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexey Likhachev became an Honorary Doctor of SPbPU

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    A solemn ceremony of presenting the mantle and diploma of the Honorary Doctor of SPbPU to the General Director of the State Corporation Rosatom Alexey Likhachev took place at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

    The ceremonial event opened with the performance of the Polytechnic University anthem by the SPbPU youth choir “Polyhymnia”.

    It is especially gratifying that this important event is taking place in the year of the 80th anniversary of the Russian nuclear industry, to the development of which Polytechnicians made a significant contribution. Such names as Abram Fedorovich Ioffe, Isaak Konstantinovich Kikoin, Abram Isaakovich Alikhanov, Yuliy Borisovich Khariton, Nikolay Leonidovich Dukhov are inscribed in gold letters in the history of the development of Russian science. Today, Polytechnic University and Rosatom, under the leadership of Alexey Evgenievich, closely cooperate for the benefit of the development of Russian nuclear technologies: both in education and in science. By order of Rosatom, our Institute of Power Engineering annually graduates more than 250 specialists in the field of nuclear energy, thermal power engineering, electric power engineering and power engineering. Together with Rosatom, we are successfully implementing the project of the advanced engineering school “Digital Engineering”, acting in the interests of the technological leadership of our country, – emphasized the rector of SPbPU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy.

    The members of the SPbPU Academic Council unanimously voted to award the title to Alexey Likhachev on April 28 this year. The Scientific Secretary of the Polytechnic University Dmitry Karpov presented the new honorary doctor.

    If we try to pick three key words that would define the spirit of modern scientific and technological development in Russia, these words should be: professionalism, leadership and Victory. And these are the words that come to mind when we talk about the State Corporation Rosatom. For the Polytechnic University, whose history is closely connected with the nuclear project, participation in the development of nuclear energy is one of the key, strategic areas of work. And scientific and industrial cooperation with the national leader in several related industries at once is a great honor and responsibility for the university, – noted Dmitry Karpov.

    Cooperation between the Rosatom State Corporation and SPbPU, which is one of the flagship universities and its long-term strategic partner, is actively developing. This is a significant amount of work carried out by the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport, the Institute of Power Engineering, the Physics and Mechanical Engineering Institute, the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering” and other university structures. This is significant international cooperation, in particular, in the interests of the Turkish and Egyptian nuclear energy. This is the training of specialists in a wide range of engineering and technical areas of training – primarily in nuclear, energy, mechanical engineering and construction specialties. This is a cell of the Rosatom Student Council, whose activists participate in organizing meetings with representatives of the corporation’s enterprises, technical tours of production facilities, strategic sessions as part of the university’s career events and other activities. In the context of the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry, about 40 events are planned at the Polytechnic University, covering more than 4,000 people.

    Dmitry Karpov named several completed projects. An optimal design of a vibrating screen for cleaning drilling mud was developed by order of NPO Centrotech. The project was a real breakthrough in the industry: with a target vibration acceleration of 7 g, engineers from PISh SPbPU designed a product that exceeded these parameters in just six months. The results of digital modeling were confirmed from the first factory test of the prototype – the vibration acceleration was 8.2 g. The product and its modifications have been successfully used for many years now.

    A digital twin of the VVER-1000 fuel assembly with an anti-debris filter and mixing grids was developed by order of JSC TVEL. Due to digital design and additive manufacturing, the filtration efficiency has been increased tenfold, and the created models, virtual test benches and testing grounds will significantly reduce costs and improve the quality and speed of further developments.

    At the request of the Mayak production association, for the first time in engineering practice, the architecture of a highly adequate multiphysical digital model of a furnace for vitrification of high-level radioactive waste has been developed.

    By order of JSC TsKBM, key proprietary technological equipment for the ODU-150 hydrogen production unit was developed. The design solutions of the created key hydrogen technology devices are the starting point in the development of a new generation of equipment and future medium- and large-tonnage devices for the hydrogen, petrochemical, and nitrogen industries.

    At the request of the composite division of Rosatom, a technology for the production of filaments from continuous carbon fiber was developed, and the customer received pilot equipment. On the official website of the corporation, this installation is listed among the most important achievements of Rosatom in 2024.

    At the enterprise of the State Corporation Rosatom — JSC Proryv — the URANIA data and process management system for computational and experimental scientific research was put into operation. It is based on the CML-Bench® Digital Platform — an in-house development of the Engineering Center of our university.

    In 2023, under the leadership of Alexey Evgenievich, the State Corporation approved the Unified Digital Strategy, which became the most important step towards accelerating the digital transformation of the industry, including ensuring import substitution. In this regard, Dmitry Karpov noted that specialists from SPbPU and the All-Russian Research Institute of Experimental Physics developed the national GOST “Computer models and modeling. Digital twins of products. General provisions” – the world’s first document regulating the relevant activities.

    The scale of the projects of the State Corporation Rosatom is truly astounding. And it is quite obvious that the management of such a system is the lot of rare leaders and true professionals. This entire vast field – from the development and implementation of advanced technologies, solving the most complex multidisciplinary problems of the world level to the transfer of unique competencies and the organization of expert discussion platforms – all this and much more became possible, including thanks to the personal professionalism and leadership of Alexey Evgenievich. Perhaps, being a leader is destiny. Destiny to be born in Arzamas-75 – Sarov, the city-forming enterprise of which is the Russian Federal Nuclear Center. And, having gone the way of an engineer, politician, adviser and Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia, still to head the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom. And to become a leader, ensuring its brilliant victories, – emphasized Dmitry Karpov.

    Students in the uniform of the Polytechnic University of the early 20th century brought in a doctoral robe and cap, the Polyhymnia choir performed the Gaudeamus anthem. Andrei Rudskoi presented Alexei Evgenievich with a book about honorary doctors of the Polytechnic University, which has a page dedicated to the CEO of the state corporation Rosatom.

    It is a great honor for me to receive this title from one of the leading technical universities in the country, which stands at the origins of the Russian engineering school. St. Petersburg Polytechnic University is a forge of personnel for the nuclear industry, and we highly value the contribution of its teachers, scientists and students to the development of advanced technologies. I am confident that our partnership will continue to contribute to breakthrough achievements in nuclear energy, medicine and new materials, – said Alexey Likhachev in his response speech.

    Alexey Likhachev also met with students studying at the Institute of Power Engineering. He spoke about the development of the State Corporation’s systemic cooperation with universities, how contacts with students are built, and shared Rosatom’s corporate values. The Polytechnicians spoke about the activities of the Rosatom student council cell, asked questions about the prospects for the development of nuclear science and the training of personnel for the corporation’s high-tech projects.

    You are the future not only of Rosatom and the nuclear industry, but of the entire country. It is you who will manage enterprises, represent the industry on the international stage and develop our technological power. Therefore, such meetings with students are of particular value: we get to know each other better and understand to whom we are transferring responsibility for the future, Alexey Likhachev emphasized.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Multiple watchkeeping related failures identified in 2020 vessel grounding

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    The dangers of watchkeeping failures are being yet again highlighted following the 2020 grounding of a commercial vessel.

    Watchkeeping is a crucial job for crews on vessels. Anyone tasked to keep-watch has to look out for risks and potential hazards, to ensure the vessel does not ground or hit other boats or other objects in the water.

    All vessels are legally required to keep watch at all times.

    The skipper of the Sidina, Ralph James and the head of the fishing company’s operational planning, Nino D’Esposito were last week sentenced in the Napier District Court, for their parts in the grounding of the vessel along the coast of Chatham Island’s in December 2020.

    It grounded after the skipper fell asleep, he was then woken by the impact of it grounding.

    Maritime NZ’s John Drury says ensuring watchkeeping is adequately managed and staffed is a significant priority for Maritime NZ.

    “Every year we see several incidents relating to vessels failing to properly keep-watch. These can result in collisions and groundings.

    “The skipper needs to ensure proper watch is kept at all times, and that the vessel is operated within the rules, including having the correct number of personnel working while at sea.  

    “Depending on the collision or grounding, these incidents have the potential to put those on the vessel, in the water or other boats at risk of serious injuries or death.

    “There is also the potential for a vessel to cause environmental issues through a grounding or collision.

     “A boat could spill oil or other potentially hazardous substances into the water,” John Drury says.

    A key role on any commercial operation and in turn its management, is to ensure there are appropriate resources and procedures to manage fatigue, make sure the crewing levels are correct and appropriate for the journey being undertaken. Management also need to understand their operating procedures.

    “As the person with oversight of the work, Mr D’Esposito did not correctly manage the personnel resourcing for the vessel, did not ensure there was oversight and management of the risks of fatigue, and as a result left the crew vulnerable to an incident such as what occurred.

    “Ensuring the correct people with the right skills and qualifications are on-board vessels is hugely important when undertaking commercial operations such as what the Sidina was doing when it grounded.

     “It is disappointing these obligations were not given the focus they required,” John Drury says.

    After the vessel grounded, it had to be towed back to Napier to be repaired.

    Editor’s Note:

    Ralph James was sentenced under S65 of the Maritime Transport Act 1994 and fined $4,125.  

    Nino D’Esposito was sentenced under S48 charge of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, for a breach of duty as an officer (at the time he was working as a consultant, leading the company’s operational planning). He was fined $11,900.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Crown appointments to Maritime NZ Board announced

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    Two new members have been appointed to the Maritime New Zealand Board, each serving a one year term.

    “The appointees have extensive governance experience and strong backgrounds in health & safety, regulation, port operations and logistics and will add significant skills and experience to the Board” Maritime NZ Board Chair, Dame Jo Brosnahan says.

    Ross Wilson was the National Secretary for the New Zealand Harbour Workers Union and General Secretary for the Rail and Maritime Transport Union during the 1980s and 1990s, becoming President of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions in 1999.  Ross has extensive governance, health and safety, maritime, and regulatory experience. He led the development of the Government Regulatory Practice Initiative (G-Reg) Master Class for regulatory boards and was the Board Chair at WorkSafe New Zealand until 2022.  His knowledge will be valuable on the Authority, particularly as the Health and Safety at Work Act designations around ports are transferred from WorkSafe to MNZ over the next year.

    Parke Pittar has extensive operational experience in ports and logistics throughout New Zealand and offers broad operational maritime experience as well as being a Chartered Accountant. He was the former Chief Executive of C3 (NZ on port logistics and stevedoring service provider), former Chief Commercial Officer at Port Nelson, Container Terminal Manager at CentrePort, and a Stevedoring Supervisor, and is now Chief Executive of AVA Timber, one of New Zealand’s largest exporters. His stevedoring and logistics experience are a big value add for the Authority’s work, as is his deep understanding of the work that takes place on ports and in the broader maritime sector.

    The appointment of Ross Wilson and Parke Pittar bring the total number of members to six – one above the minimum specified by the Act Crown Entities Act 2004 – and fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Mike Purchase on May 2023.

    More information on our governance board

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Promoting social inclusion through pet companionship

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Renata Roma, Postdoctoral Fellow, Center of Behavioural Sciences and Justice Studies/Pawsitive Connections Lab, University of Saskatchewan

    The benefits of pet companionship have been widely researched and celebrated.

    Pets can improve our mood and immune system. They can also encourage staying active and fit, offer emotional comfort and companionship, and foster social connections. Pets can even increase life expectancy.

    Unfortunately, pet companionship is not always easily accessible to everyone. Several groups face hurdles when it comes to sharing time or living with a pet. Some of the hurdles that people can face when accessing pets include the lack of pet-friendly housing and financial resources to afford pet food and veterinary care.

    There can also be more concrete barriers to pet companionship, such as no-pet clauses in rental agreements or no-pet policies in retirement homes.

    As we strive for social equality, it is essential to address hurdles that prevent some people from experiencing the known benefits of spending time or living with a pet.

    Challenges and misconceptions

    Several factors can make pet companionship less accessible. Some of these factors include lack of appropriate housing and lack of financial resources for pet food and pet-related veterinary services. A Canadian survey found that new immigrants and young people aged 18 to 34 years are the groups most affected by these factors and, often, elderly people experience housing-related and financial challenges.

    For pet guardians, the inability to pay for grooming services, food or health-care services can create feelings of distress and, for their pets, this can lead to a reduced quality of life. In this case, we see that the well-being of both pet guardians and their beloved pets can be compromised.

    Moreover, some studies link higher income to an increased likelihood of living with companion animals. When it comes to economic factors, it is concerning that some believe certain groups of people should not be pet guardians. The Michelson Found Animals Foundation highlights several misconceptions about living with companion animals, which are often associated with financial hardships.

    For example, some people believe that people who live in apartments, rather than homes with backyards and green space, should only have small dogs as pets. However, this belief ignores a dog’s energy level as some small dogs are highly energetic while some big dogs are less energetic. This belief also does not consider the guardian’s ability to provide mental and physical stimulation for their dog.

    Still other people believe that if someone cannot afford the costs associated with caring for a pet, they should not have a one. This belief only reinforces social inequalities and reflects a deeper form of discrimination.

    Financial problems and housing restrictions may force people to give up their pets, and this is an emotionally difficult decision. Research by Christine Yvette Tardif-Williams, one of the authors of this story, with childhood and youth researcher Rebecca Raby and graduate students at Brock University shows how homeless children often navigate feelings of emotional intimacy towards their pets alongside feelings of loss and grief. In this research, homeless children shared stories about missing or losing companion animals either through separation or death.

    Research also shows that most people experiencing homelessness are responsible pet guardians, and that their pets are often very healthy and that they too benefit from human companionship — it’s a mutually beneficial, two-way emotional connection.

    A more equitable future in pet companionship

    Pet companionship and systemic inequalities are interconnected. For instance, many socioeconomically disadvantaged and marginalized families and communities — including, but not limited to, racialized, Indigenous, homeless, immigrant and refugee families and their children — face barriers to pet companionship.

    We need targeted strategies and policies to reduce the barriers faced by these families and communities. It is important to create more opportunities for people and pets to live together. This can help us to address social inequality in pet companionship among diverse groups.

    Some studies highlight the need for increasing access to free or low-cost veterinary care. Making shelters and housing more pet-friendly is also essential. Promoting campaigns to reduce misconceptions about pet companionship among diverse groups of people is another key strategy.

    One example of a program that helps make pet companionship more accessible is Community Veterinary Outreach (CVO).This is a registered charity located across different provinces in Canada. They provide health care for people and preventive care for pets. They also run education programs covering topics such as animal behaviour, nutrition, and dental care. Together, these services help to support vulnerable populations living with pets.

    Another example is the PetCard program, a Canadian financing program that offers flexible options for people to split the payment of veterinary-related services.



    Read more:
    How ‘One Health’ clinics support unhoused people and their pets

    However, we need more consistent collaborative work that begins by raising awareness about the importance of pet companionship for diverse groups of people. Expanding this discussion can help us design fairer policies about pet companionship, foster social justice and bring communities together.

    Overlooking the relevance of this discussion can reinforce discriminatory views around pet companionship.

    Supporting pet companionship

    It is problematic when access to pet companionship is restricted due to a family’s economic status or housing opportunities, since it means they’re less likely to experience the well-being benefits of pet companionship. In this way, pet-related benefits are limited to a select and privileged group.

    We can help people and animals build meaningful bonds by promoting equitable access to companionship. The needs of pets must also be prioritized in any effort to increase access to pet companionship. This means making sure pets’ physical and emotional needs are met and that they also benefit from the human-pet bond. Pets’ well-being and rights should always come first when making pet companionship more accessible.

    To create a fair approach to supporting pet companionship among diverse populations, we need to balance human and pet needs and ensure the well-being of both humans and their pets.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Promoting social inclusion through pet companionship – https://theconversation.com/promoting-social-inclusion-through-pet-companionship-255089

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Tariffs to push healthcare facilities to stock up medical devices, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Tariffs to push healthcare facilities to stock up medical devices, says GlobalData

    Posted in Medical Devices

    With the surge in tariffs imposed by and on the US, the medical device industry is likely to be impacted in several areas. Cost, supply chain, and market competitiveness will be altered if companies cannot afford to offset tariff costs. In response to medical device companies, healthcare facilities may stock up on medical devices to prepare for increased pricing if they have the budget, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    According to GlobalData’s US Healthcare Facility Invoicing Database, across 56 tracked medical device markets, the top 20 facilities by March 2025 have spent an average of 6.7% more in April. This increase doesn’t appear to be attributed to specific markets – across most covered markets, some facilities increased their spend in April, while others decreased spend.

    Amy Paterson, Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Necessary procedures such as aspiration thrombectomy will need to continue being done, whereas elective procedures such as hip reconstruction can be delayed. If prices of devices are driven up by tariffs, hospitals will either face shrinking profits margins or increase the cost to patients, and patients might not be able to afford the increased procedure costs.”

    Paterson continues: “The top facilities have already spent more on hip reconstruction devices, with an 18% jump in the average amount spent by facilities from this March to April, compared to a -3% decline last March to April. Similarly, the top facilities are spending more on knee reconstruction devices. From March to April this year, we have seen a 9% increase in the average spend, compared to a 13% dip from March to April last year.”

    Looking at aspiration thrombectomy, from March to April 2024, there was a decline of 30% in purchasing. Consistently, the March to April period this year also saw a decline of 30%. This suggests that the top facilities have not been stocking up on aspiration thrombectomy devices despite tariffs.

    Paterson concludes: “GlobalData expects a continued steady purchasing of devices for necessary procedures, while purchases of devices for elective procedures like hip and knee reconstruction may slow if facilities have already purchased supply in advance. If tariffs continue, manufacturing sites could move into the US to avoid tariffs for both consumers and manufacturers.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –