The October incident was recorded in a report to the Dunedin City Council’s audit, risk and assurance committee meeting on Thursday.
Health and safety manager Jane Pearce told members a 200kg door at the Green Island wastewater treatment plant fell on to a forklift’s safety frame.
"The failure was caused by broken wire ropes supporting the counterweights, resulting in damage to the components of the door and cosmetic damage to the forklift," Ms Pearce said in her health, safety and wellbeing report.
The incident met WorkSafe’s criteria for a notifiable event, and the scene of the incident was immediately closed off.
Following a council investigation, corrective actions were under way and the door was fully isolated for the safety of staff while a replacement door was installed.
"WorkSafe were very happy with the outcome of that report," Ms Pearce told the meeting.
The scene had since reopened.
Mayor Sophie Barker asked Ms Pearce about the 17 instances of aggression or violence towards council staff in September and October recorded in the report.
"I mean, it’s terrible, 17. [Is] that an increasing issue within council or for council staff?" Ms Barker asked.
Ms Pearce said it might be staff were more aware of the issue.
"It’s been a little bit ... hidden, because people are accepting of it, and so getting people to report it has been an improvement that we’ve been making."
Eight aggression or violence incidents were recorded in July, a report to the previous committee meeting said.
Committee chairman Warren Allen said, in his experience, the issue was on the rise for councils nationwide.
"Swimming pools, libraries, service centres are real risk areas, and particularly swimming pools, because they’re generally staffed with younger people," Mr Allen said.
"What’s been seen by a number of councils is it’s moved from verbal violence to physical violence, and I think it’s an area to sort of really watch out for."
The committee accepted the report.
