On 30 October 2019, while cycling to navigate a construction worksite, the victim collided with a truck. She fell to the ground and was subsequently run over. She suffered fatal injuries.

Alleged breach

Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, S 36(2), 48(1) and 48(2)(c).

The alleged contravention does not amount to an offence against section 47 (reckless conduct) which would preclude it from being accepted.


Summary highlights of the enforceable undertaking

  • Financial amends to the victim’s family.
  • Investment in a virtual reality temporary traffic management simulator.
  • Supporting a scoping study to mitigate risks to vulnerable road users (with Downer New Zealand and CHASNZ).
  • Support to BikeReady (www.bikeready.govt.nz(external link)).

This enforceable undertaking has a total expenditure of at least $600,000.

Reasons for accepting the undertaking

The enforceable undertaking meets the requirements of WorkSafe’s Enforceable Undertakings Operational Policy (June 2019), considering:

  • The activities in the enforceable undertaking and the expected health and safety improvements in the workplace; industry; and community.
  • The nature of the alleged contravention and how serious it was.
  • Information received from any interested party in relation to the contravention.
  • Mitigation and remedial action, already taken or planned, regarding both the contravention and any person affected by the contravention (including victims).
  • The person’s past performance and history of compliance with health and safety legislation.
  • Any likely outcome if the matter were dealt with by legal proceedings.
    • Charges were filed in relation to this incident on the basis that there was both evidential sufficiency and a public interest in initiating prosecution.
    • The undertaking accounts for the benefits that accrue to McConnell Dowell by a prosecution not proceeding.
  • Any other matter which WorkSafe thinks is relevant.
    • The undertaking delivers benefits beyond compliance.
    • The undertaking supports WorkSafe’s strategic objectives.
    • The undertaking contains acceptable terms.

Date accepted

28 March 2022.

Further information

View the full McConnell Dowell Constructors Limited undertaking here:

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Enforceable undertaking - McConnell Dowell Constructors New Zealand Limited (PDF 972 KB)