Lynda Kelly, 63, was killed at the Te Anau transfer station, operated by WasteCo, on May 2 last year.
It is understood Ms Kelly was pinned between a bin and a wall while working at the transfer station.
WorkSafe area manager Gary Lowther said yesterday WasteCo had been charged under sections 36(1)(a), s48(1) and 2(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
The Act states a business must ensure the health and safety of employees as much is reasonably possible while they undertake their duties.
The maximum penalty for the charge is a fine not exceeding $1.5million.
"WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities to keep people healthy and safe," Mr Lowther said.
"Businesses and organisations must manage their risks, and when they do not, we will hold them to account."
In a statement, WasteCo said it had been charged in relation to Ms Kelly’s death.
It declined to comment as the matter was before the court.
"Further updates will be provided as appropriate," WasteCo said.
