Human error behind industrial chemical being used on Christchurch childcare centre's waterslide
By RNZ
WorkSafe will not take further action against a Christchurch childcare centre that used industrial sanitiser instead of detergent on a water slide.
Five children and two adults suffered chemical burns and blisters at Kindercare Woolston last December.
WorkSafe declined to release its report, which it said would have to be requested under the Official Information Act.
A spokesperson said while the controls Kindercare had in place “proved insufficient to prevent this particular error”, it had determined no further enforcement action was warranted.
The investigation found the use of the sanitiser was a result of human error, rather than anything deliberate or reckless, WorkSafe said.
WorkSafe said Kindercare had complied with an earlier improvement notice to review the risks related to the sanitiser and implemented changes at its centres, including more secure storage of hazardous products, updated staff training and stronger procedures for activities involving chemicals.
St John assessed 40 patients on the day, which saw the centre put into lockdown.
Kindercare has been approached for comment.
- RNZ
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