Worker's death avoidable

A lack of appropriate safety measures led to the death of a worker dragged into a pulp machine last year, the Department of Labour says. Robert Watene Beazley Coromandel died from injuries to his chest at Carter Holt Harvey's pulp and paper mill in Kawerau last December.

He was dragged into a large heavy duty pulp press.

His death could have been avoided if the machine was properly guarded, Department of Labour Waikato/Eastern regional manager Ona De Rooy said.

Carter Holt Harvey was fined $47,500 at Whakatane District Court yesterday. The company has already paid $60,000 to Mr Coromandel's family.