Worker injured at Kawerau lumber yard

A rescue helicopter leaves the site with the injured man on board. Photo / Paul Mitchell

A lumber yard worker has been helicoptered to hospital after being trapped by a forklift in Kawerau this morning.

Northern Fire Communications shift manager Steve Smith said they were called at 9.15am to rescue a man trapped at a lumber sawmill on Manukorihi Dr.

"It came through as a person trapped with or in a forklift."

A doctor administered first aid at the scene while emergency services arrived, he said.

The fire service provided man power for the extraction, Mr Smith said.

A Kawerau Fire Service spokeswoman said the 45-year-old man suffered thoracic and chest injuries and fractured his legs.

He helicoptered to Rotorua Hospital in a moderate condition, she said.

Police said they attended the scene at a Kawerau business where an employee suffered injuries whilst working with machinery.

The injuries were not life threatening and WorkSafe had been advised.