Agency studies death at school

The Department of Labour says the scrum machine fatality at Tamaki College was a workplace accident. Photo / Martin Sykes

The Department of Labour has decided the fatal crushing of All Black Keven Mealamu's niece by a rugby scrum machine was a workplace accident and it will be investigating.

The Auckland coroner will also investigate whether an inquest needs to be held into 6-year-old Christina Mealamu's death on the Tamaki College fields on Saturday.

A 3-year-old, believed to be Christina's brother Phoenix, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Middlemore Hospital but discharged.

Department investigators visited the grounds soon after the death as part of their initial inquiries, and yesterday decided a full investigation would be held.

"Because Tamaki College is a workplace and it happened on their grounds, we are investigating," said spokesman Eric Janse van Rensberg. "This death is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with the victim's family and friends."

The department could not comment on specifics of the inquiry such as whether the college would face prosecution over the death, Mr Janse van Rensberg said.

But under the Health and Safety in Employment Act the department can prosecute a workplace if it finds the legislation has been breached.

Other outcomes of investigations include providing information and advice to help workplaces improve safety practices. Investigators identify equipment or practices that are hazardous, to minimise risks.

The length of an investigation depends on its complexity but is usually completed within six months.

Victims, witnesses and others are interviewed and technical experts are brought in. Where relevant, the department works with other agencies such as the police or other government agencies.