Truckie killed on first day on job

An East Coast truckie was killed on his first day on the job transporting logs after he was run over by his own rig.

Dallas Hickey, 51, died in February 2014 after he left the truck's cab while the unit was still moving and was caught under the rear wheel of the truck.

Gisborne-based logging transport operator James Walter Beau Thompson was fined $80,000 and ordered to pay $100,000 in reparations after admitting safety failings in court.

Thompson pleaded guilty to failing to take all practicable steps to ensure Mr Hickey's safety and was sentenced in Gisborne District Court on Tuesday.

Thompson ran Hawke Equipment Limited's Gisborne log operation and a WorkSafe investigation found that he had failed to undertake proper checks or tests to ensure Mr Hickey, a contractor, was trained to do his job safely.

WorkSafe chief inspector Keith Stewart said the case showed why adequate training and induction processes are vital in helping keep workers safe.

"This was a tragic example of what can happen when training is not provided," he said.