A rescue helicopter leaves the site with the injured man on board. Photo / Paul Mitchell
A lumber yard worker has been helicoptered to hospital after being trapped by a forklift in Kawerau this morning.
Northern Fire Communications shift manager Steve Smith said they were called at 9.15am to rescue a man trapped at a lumber sawmill on Manukorihi Dr.
"It came through as a person trapped with or in a forklift."
A doctor administered first aid at the scene while emergency services arrived, he said.
The fire service provided man power for the extraction, Mr Smith said.
A Kawerau Fire Service spokeswoman said the 45-year-old man suffered thoracic and chest injuries and fractured his legs.
He helicoptered to Rotorua Hospital in a moderate condition, she said.
Police said they attended the scene at a Kawerau business where an employee suffered injuries whilst working with machinery.
The injuries were not life threatening and WorkSafe had been advised.
The vehicle was damaged while later being towed and an $11k claim by the owner followed.