More than a year after a tragic workplace accident claimed the life of 30-year-old Sorav Saini at a timber mill, his widow, Laleni Saini, says she is devastated by the decision not to prosecute his employer.
On 25 January 2024, Sorav became trapped in machinery while working as a fingerjointer and optimiser supervisor at the timber mill. He was airlifted to Waikato Hospital in critical condition and died two weeks later, with Laleni by his side.
Since his death, Laleni has been left to raise their two children—infant Shon and teenager Ritik—alone, while battling both grief and the complexities of seeking justice.
What has kept her going, she told New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME), is her pursuit of accountability. But her hopes were shattered after WorkSafe completed its investigation and concluded there was no breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, meaning no charges would be filed against Clelands Timber.
“I feel that my husband didn’t get justice for losing his life at his workplace,” Laleni told NZME.
“It’s hard sometimes. I feel I just don’t have the strength to cope, and I’m totally lost not knowing the rights and laws.”
WorkSafe confirmed it had issued a prohibition notice shortly after the accident, preventing further use of the machinery until it was deemed safe. That notice was lifted on 31 January 2024, after timber mill made improvements to its machine guarding. Despite this, the agency stated the overall investigation found no grounds for prosecution.
Laleni, however, disagrees with aspects of the investigation and plans to seek a review. She is also seeking legal advice but has struggled to find a lawyer specialising in occupational safety and health law.
She described the past year as one of immense struggle.
“My last year has been stressful and full of struggles without my husband. Also, he was our main income earner and my support. I am just living alone with my baby.”
Sorav, described as “lovely and honest”, had moved to New Zealand from India in 2014 on a student visa, later becoming a citizen. He met Laleni the same year, and the couple married in India in 2020. He was known for his love of cooking and spending time with his family—often using his lunch breaks to visit them at home.
“I can’t explain how broken I am,” Laleni said.
“All I wanted was for him to live at any cost but God took him away. I am in so much shock.”
Coronial Services confirmed the case remains open, and Laleni cannot yet share the full details of the WorkSafe report. Still, she says she was unhappy with its findings and continues to feel alone in her search for justice.
“Now I am just like lost, alone, not knowing where to go or what to do.”
A spokesperson for the timber company previously told NZME it was doing everything it could to ensure the safety of its team, and it had reached out to Sorav’s family.
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