The Department of Labour has begun an investigation into an incident in which a 7-year-old Queenstown girl was hospitalised when a portable hockey goal pinned her to the ground last Monday.
The girl was in a "serious but stable" condition and was transferred to Christchurch Hospital from Southland Hospital yesterday, Southland District Health Board communications officer Jo Harvey said.
The Queenstown Primary School pupil complained of abdominal injuries after the heavy metal goal frame toppled on to her when three or four children climbed on it.
The incident happened on the school field after school hours, while children were waiting to be collected.
Department of Labour spokesman Colin Patterson, of Wellington, said the agency was satisfied "serious harm" had been suffered by the child and it could launch an investigation.
"Investigators from Invercargill are looking at the circumstances of the incident to see if possible action needs to be taken under the Health and Safety Act."
Mr Patterson said he could not give specifics on what the investigators would be looking at, or confirm how long it would take.
Queenstown Primary School principal John Western said the department had not contacted him yesterday, but the school would "co-operate entirely".
Mr Western said staff had spoken to children on the scene after school and had offered counselling and support.
The school was in contact with the girl's family.
Classmates sent the girl a teddybear and a number of classes had sent cards.
Staff had also sent their well wishes to the family, Mr Western said.
