An eye for safety saves Nelson man’s life

1 February 2008

When a huge excavator plunged down a bank in Nelson yesterday sensible and simple safety precautions saved a man’s life.

The seven-tonne machine rolled twice down a bank on a building site. The operator was saved from death or serious injury by a safety belt and because the machine was fitted with the legally required rollover protective structure.

The Department of Labour is investigating the circumstances of the roll over. Its Acting Central Regional Manager, Keith Stewart, says it is a good example of how investment in, and the use of, the right equipment has paid dividends.

“In January this year eight people were killed in their workplace throughout the country. It’s been one of the worst seasons for workplace deaths in recent years.”

About 50 percent of all work related deaths involve a vehicle and vehicle rollovers account for 23 percent of workplace deaths investigated by the department.

“The fact this man avoided even serious injury because he was wearing the correct safety belt, and the machine was fitted with a rollover structure, shows that simple precautions can mean the difference between life and death.”

The department is currently screening a hard hitting Grim Harvest campaign to emphasise the importance of safe workplace practices.

Safety messages can be found on www.dol.govt.nz/itsnojoke

ENDS