Dunedin man named as victim of Waitati forestry incident

WorkSafe has been advised of the death.
WorkSafe has been advised of the death. Photo credit: Getty

Police have named the man who died in a workplace accident in Waitati, Otago on Monday.

He was 34-year-old Simon Patrick Sloper, from Dunedin.

"Police extend their sympathies to his family and friends," a spokesperson said on Wednesday.

"Enquiries are ongoing into circumstances of the incident."

According to the Otago Daily Times, Sloper was working alone on a digger at a forestry block when the incident happened. He was found on the ground by a friend after failing to respond to a radio call.

Police on Monday said the digger had not rolled as they had initially been told.

WorkSafe is investigating the incident.