New Zealand freight company sentenced after worker killed by reversing front-end loader

A Southland freight company has been ordered to pay more than $500k after a truck driver died in a workplace incident more than six years ago.

The man was fatally struck by a reversing front-end loader while standing behind his truck in February 2017.

The truck driver had been contracted to load and unload animal feeds at a warehouse in Bluff.

WorkSafe’s acting national manager of investigations, Catalijne Pille said, “Clear separation of workers and moving vehicles is an absolute must in workplaces. Designated safe zones for people, alongside bollards or barriers to control the traffic flow are cost-effective ways to keep safe.”

The company was also ordered to pay reparations of $115,896 by the Invercargill District Court.

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