29 Aug 2023

One dead in Balclutha workplace incident

8:07 pm on 29 August 2023
Unexplained death in Taita, Lower Hutt early on Sunday 26th January 2020.  A Police cordon and crime scene invetsigation tent were in place Monday 27th January 2020.

Photo: RNZ / Patrice Allen

A person has died after what is described as a workplace incident in south Otago earlier today.

Police say emergency services were called to Barnego Road in Balclutha shortly before 4.30pm.

WorkSafe has been notified and the person's death has been referred to the coroner.

The death has occurred on the same day as the release of a report that says on average, 73 people are killed in work accidents in this country every year.

The inaugural State of a Thriving Nation report by the Business Leaders' Health and Safety Forum says workplace deaths and injuries are costing the economy $4.4 billion a year.