Female worker dies at Eastland Port, Gisborne

Monday, 8 October 2018

A woman has died following a workplace incident at Gisborne's port.

In a statement, a spokeswoman for Eastland Group, the parent company of the port, said the employee was a woman.

'A female employee of ISO, the log marshalling and stevedoring company, was struck by a log falling from a shuttle truck.'

The accident happened just before 9am, she said.

Emergency services arrived 'quickly' at the scene, and the woman's family were notified.

'Following a karakia, the port has been closed for the day, as a mark of respect and to allow her colleagues to reflect and grieve.

'This is a close-knit team in a close-knit community, and we're shattered,' said Eastland Port's general manager Andrew Gaddum.

'Our thoughts are with her whānau, friends and work mates. We will do everything we can to support the many people who have been so deeply affected by this loss.'

Police said emergency services were called to Rakaiatane Rd about 9am on Monday, where it appeared a log had fallen on the person.

The death would be referred to the coroner and WorkSafe had been notified.

A WorkSafe spokeswoman said it had launched an investigation into the death.