WorkSafe has charged WasteCo NZ over the death of a woman at a Te Anau transfer station last year.
Lynda Marion Kelly, 62, died after a workplace accident at the Southland business, operated by WasteCo on May 2, 2025.
Health and safety regulator WorkSafe said WasteCo NZ Limited had been charged with violations of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
"Businesses and organisations must manage their risks, and when they do not we will hold them to account," said WorkSafe area manager Gary Lowther.
The maximum penalty was a fine not exceeding $1.5 million.
In a statement posted on the NZX, WasteCo confirmed it had been charged and that a court process would begin.
"WasteCo will not be commenting on the detail of the charge while the matter is before the court," the statement read.
"The company continues to support those affected by the incident and remains focused on its ongoing health and safety reset across the business."
WasteCo was contracted by the Southland District Council to operate the transfer station.
At the time of the incident, council group manager Fran Mikulicic said the whole council was shocked and saddened by the tragedy.
“All our thoughts and sympathy are with the family of the deceased,” she said.
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