An Ikea worker was found dead by her colleagues on Wednesday morning as they prepared to open a branch of the furniture superstore.
Staff at the branch in Giltbrook, Notts., discovered the woman, in her 40s, collapsed on the premises at around 7.20 am.
They dialled 999 and attempted to revive her but she was pronounced dead after paramedics rushed her to hospital.
Johanna Heuren, manager of the Swedish furnishing giant’s Nottingham store, confirmed a woman had died while at work.
She said: “I am deeply saddened to confirm that this morning a co-worker was found collapsed whilst on duty at work.
“First aid was administered and emergency services arrived on site, however the co-worker was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
“Our thoughts are with the co-worker’s family at this difficult time.”
Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious.
A spokesperson for Broxtowe Borough Council confirmed they are investigating the incident.
She said: “If there is an incident where an employee dies in the workplace, the local authority has to investigate under health and safety law.”