Roller victim in critical condition

A man is fighting for his life in Auckland Hospital after being run over by a road roller.

The man, 51, was seriously hurt when the roller ran over his torso and limbs while he was working on the side of State Highway 14, at Tangiteroria, about 30km northeast of Dargaville, at 4.10pm on Friday.

Whangarei police Sergeant Anaru Roberts said the section of road was being resealed.

"He was run over by a large roller as he was walking along the road. Obviously the driver (of the roller) was looking the other way, but going in the same direction as the person was walking," Mr Roberts said.

The injured man was first taken to Whangarei Hospital in a critical condition, but he was later airlifted to Auckland Hospital.

Police and staff from the Department of Labour's Occupational Safety and Health service were investigating.

Other workplace mishaps in Northland this year have left two people dead. On January 9, tree feller Bunny Kaka, 41, died when a falling tree struck him on the head in the Mahurangi Forest, near Warkworth. Then on January 10 roofer Ross Clueard, 56, died while working on a new Whangarei public library in Rust Ave.

There have been nine workplace deaths around the country so far this year, causing concern for OSH.

Mike Cosman, Department of Labour chief adviser for health and safety, said nine workplace fatalities was the worst possible start to 2006. Seven of the nine deaths were caused by crushing injuries.

"A lack of concentration or disregard for basic safety precautions seem to be common factors in these accidents," Mr Cosman said.

Holiday periods could be trying times for employers, workers and the self-employed, he said.

January and February were traditionally the worst months of the year for workplace deaths.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)