Worksafe New Zealand says a Nelson Orchard didn't do enough to ensure the safety of a contractor crushed by a tractor while mowing a bank.

AB Wood Holdings Limited has been ordered to pay more than $130,000 following the death of Gary Wakefield early last year.

Chief Inspector Keith Stewart says the subsequent investigation identified a number of steps that would have prevented the accident.

"They could have put some suitable barriers along the slope, but more importantly they could've assessed what type of risk was known in that area."

Keith Stewart says the accident sends a sad message to other operators about the dangers of farm vehicles.