Jul
29


Queenstown: Beyond the Investigation: What It Takes to Support Your Team After a Fatality with Troy Beaumont


Leading a team through loss, scrutiny, and recovery


Join us for a candid and insightful conversation with Troy Beaumont, owner of Heads Up Access and former Chair of IRATA RAC Australasia.

This session explores Troy’s experience following the tragic death of worker Tom Arnold during rope access work on Percy Saddle Road near Lake Manapouri. Tom was not only a valued member of the team, but a close friend who helped build the business alongside Troy.

In the years that followed, Troy and his team faced an extensive investigation and legal proceedings. Ultimately, the WorkSafe New Zealand prosecution against Heads Up Access was dismissed by the court—but only after four years of uncertainty.

Through an interview-style discussion and audience Q&A, Troy will share what came after the incident: the realities of supporting a grieving team, managing his own wellbeing, working alongside investigators and legal counsel, and leading through prolonged pressure and scrutiny.

This is not a session about incident investigation methods. Instead, it offers a rare and honest perspective on the human, leadership, and organisational challenges that follow a workplace fatality—and the lessons learned along the way.


Frefreshments available at attendee's own cost.

Otago
Branch Event
29/07/2026 17:30
29/07/2026 19:00
Handlebar Eatery & Brewery, 211A Glenda Drive, Frankton, Queenstown

Your presenters:

Troy Beaumont; Troy's career has spanned a remarkable range of high-risk environments. He has served as a Base Manager in Antarctica, worked as a Supervisor at Franz Josef Glacier Guides, been actively involved in Land Search and Rescue, and began his career as a hydrographer in the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Sarah Thomas: Sarah Thomas is the founder and principal consultant of Be Safe Now!, a Central Otago-based health, safety, and quality consultancy that helps organisations create practical systems that work in the real world. With more than 23 years of experience across construction, infrastructure, utilities, local government, tourism, conservation, and emergency response, She holds qualifications in law, business administration (health and safety), and ISO auditing, and is passionate about helping businesses improve safety performance while remaining productive and profitable.


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