Father’s 8-Year Battle After Son Killed by ‘Inherently Unsafe’ Brakes – 1News

Father’s eight-year fight after son killed by ‘inherently unsafe’ brakes By Daniel Perez – News Editor After a years-long inquiry into the death of an Auckland construction worker, a coroner has delivered a clear message: the braking system that failed and caused Graeme Rabbits’ death is inherently unsafe. Graeme Rabbits was crushed in January 2018 when the parking brake on a telehandler failed even as he was working on a slope at an Auckland construction site. The machine rolled down the incline and pinned him against a concrete mixer, causing fatal injuries. Coroner Erin Woolley investigated the incident and concluded that the cardan shaft parking brakes used on the telehandler are inherently unsafe. Her findings were based on a thorough review of the braking system’s design and performance, which relies on a single mechanism connecting to the gearbox rather than at the wheels. The coroner made a series of recommendations aimed at preventing future deaths, including better registration practices for machinery and increased publicity campaigns about the risks associated with this type of braking system. However, there is currently no legal requirement for organizations to follow these recommendations or to explain why they choose not to accept them. Selwyn Rabbits, Graeme’s father and a former military engineer, launched his own investigation shortly after his son’s death. Over nearly eight years, he identified multiple fatalities linked to the same cardan shaft brake system dating back to 2010. His research showed that approximately 70,000 vehicles in Fresh Zealand use this braking system, which is common due to its lower cost compared to other systems. Despite the coroner’s findings, Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has disagreed with the conclusion that the brakes are inherently unsafe. Selwyn Rabbits has continued to advocate for change, expressing concern that the coroner’s function could be overlooked without a formal process requiring organizations to respond to and justify their rejection of safety recommendations. He has called for the establishment of a formal register of coroner’s recommendations and organizational responses, arguing that such a system would increase transparency and accountability. While the idea has gained some support, it has not yet been adopted by officials. Graeme Rabbits is remembered by his family and colleagues for his love of the outdoors and his willingness to support others. His father’s persistent advocacy has brought attention to a safety issue affecting thousands of vehicles across New Zealand, highlighting the ongoing need for rigorous safety standards in heavy machinery operation.