Police guarding the closed gate at Kiwi Lumber on Friday after a female worker died. PHOTO/ELISA VORSTER
Region’s eighth workplace death since 2010
ELISA VORSTER
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Staff at Masterton mill Kiwi Lumber are “absolutely devastated” after a female worker was killed on-site on Friday.
Emergency Services were called to the Waingawa industrial area on Norman Ave shortly after 8.30am in response to reports of a workplace accident.
An ambulance and fire engine were seen leaving the yard around 9.30am, as several police from both the criminal investigation branch and response group arrived.
Several staff members could be seen comforting each other in the yard behind the reception in what has been described as “a tragic day”.
“All efforts are focused on the victim’s family, the team they worked with and the people at the site,” a Kiwi Lumber spokesperson said.
“We are absolutely devastated for everyone. Our thoughts and hearts are with the family.”
Staff and police guarded the gate to the yard which is usually open as vehicles come and go from the yard.
Senior Sergeant Mike Sutton said police were unable to confirm the age of the woman who died, or the circumstances leading up to the incident, but confirmed her family had been notified on Friday morning.
“We are continuing to investigate the incident in conjunction with WorkSafe NZ and the coroner,” he said.
“It’s too early to say where the investigation will go – it’s still in the early stages.”
Since 2010, there have been eight workplace deaths in Wairarapa and 138 serious harm incidents reported to WorkSafe NZ.
The last workplace death in the region occurred in Masterton in 2016, when there were three separate workplace deaths within the space of three months.
omg the name of the woman was anita she was one of my cussins she is so cool i love her so much what a tragic death and a horrible way to die