$100,000 mill death compensation

The family of a man killed at Cater Holt Harvey's Tokoroa ply mill are to be paid $100,000 in reparation.

Alexander Harwood, a South African immigrant, died when he fell through the roof there last February.

Last month, CHH was convicted in the Tokoroa District Court after pleading guilty to a charge of failing to take all practicable steps to protect its worker.

On Wednesday, Judge James Weir fined CHH $30,000 and ordered it to pay $100,000 in reparation to Mr Harwood's family.

CHH had already made other payments totalling $90,000, the Waikato Times reported yesterday.

Mr Harwood died while helping another worker clear a roof duct that had been blocked by sawdust.

Walking across the roof, he fell through PVC sheeting to the floor below.

Judge Weir said Mr Harwood was exposed to a significant hazard as there were no guard rails or walkway.

Labour Department chief health and safety adviser Mike Cosman said roofing materials such as PVC, asbestos or glazing would not usually take a person's weight.

Carter Holt declined to comment on the ruling.

- NZPA