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Man dies in woodchipper work accident at Lindfield

A Fijian national has died in a woodchipping accident in Sydney’s north shore today. The 40-year-old was accidentally drawn inside the machine while working outside a school today. Police and SafeWork NSW are investigating.

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A worker for a tree removal company was killed today after being accidentally drawn inside a woodchipping machine on Sydney’s north shore.

Samuela Cirivakayawa, 40, a Fijian national, had been working with two colleagues from Arbor Tree Group outside Cromehurst School on Kochia Lane, Lindfield, about 7am on Saturday.

A man has died in a woodchipping accident at Lindfield. Picture: Monique Harmer
A man has died in a woodchipping accident at Lindfield. Picture: Monique Harmer

The Sunday Telegraph has been told the men were cutting and mulching branches from a tall tree outside of the school when two of the workers attempted to find the owner of a car that needed to be moved.

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The victim, working at the back of the machine, remained at the site. He was gone by the time his colleagues returned a few minutes later and the contacted emergency services when they noticed blood in the machine about 8.30am.

Arbor Tree Group does contracting work across nearly two dozen local councils.

An Arbor Tree Group died in a woodchipper accident. Picture: Monique Harmer
An Arbor Tree Group died in a woodchipper accident. Picture: Monique Harmer
Police at the scene of the fatality. Picture: Monique Harmer
Police at the scene of the fatality. Picture: Monique Harmer
The tree where the accident took place on Kochia Lane, Lindfield. Picture: Monique Harmer
The tree where the accident took place on Kochia Lane, Lindfield. Picture: Monique Harmer

Attempts to contact a company representative were unsuccessful.

SafeWork NSW is assisting with the investigation alongside police from North Shore Police Area Command.

“SafeWork NSW is responding to a fatal incident at a worksite in Lindfield. SafeWork’s investigation is ongoing,” a spokesman said.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/man-dies-in-woodchipping-work-accident-at-lindfield/news-story/b9a35f84c6673bf48aeaf032ec20ef3f