A Woolworths employee who was killed when he was crushed by falling pallets in a distribution center is remembered as the ‘most beautiful soul’.
Basel ‘Baz’ Brikha, 37, was working at the Woolworths Distribution Center in Minchinbury in western Sydney around 3.30pm last Tuesday when he was hit by the pallets.
Mr. Brikha was pressed to the ground. Two colleagues rushed to his aid, but they too were hit by pallets and suffered serious head injuries.
All three were rushed to Westmead Hospital but Mr Brikha later died.
The incident has led to calls from union workers for the use of pallet distributors to be suspended while their safety is under investigation.
Basel ‘Baz’ Brikha, 37 (pictured) was tragically killed in a work accident
Emergency services were photographed at the scene last Tuesday after Mr Brikha and two colleagues were seriously injured
Tributes have poured in online for the beloved uncle and godfather, with loved ones describing him as a “gentle and kind soul” who would “always put a smile on your face no matter what day you have.”
It is clear that Mr. Brikha grew up in Wellington, New Zealand before later migrating to Australia.
Hera Sefou, an old friend, said she was “heartbroken” and hoped it was a “bad dream” after learning that Mr. Brikha, who is a godfather to her son, had passed away.
She said Mr Brikha would join her family for “family dinners” on Mondays and – despite it being his only day off – he chose to spend it with them.
“I have no words to express how much pain my boys and I feel for you. It wasn’t your time! We still had so much to do together,” she said.
‘I just can’t believe it. God really takes the best.
‘My Baz, I hope you are resting peacefully with your mama. I’ll make sure Eli knows how great his godfather was. I will never forget you, my heart is so broken.’
Another loved one, Martina Toma Eli, said she was still struggling to come to terms with Mr Brikha’s death.
“It just seems so unreal, Baz,” she said.
Mr. Brikha is remembered as a ‘beautiful soul’ who always brought a smile to the faces of those around him
‘I know you [sic] in peace, but we just weren’t ready.’
Hundreds of loved ones gathered at the Syriac Christian Church of Saint Zaia Cathedral in Middleton Grange last Thursday to pay tribute to Mr Brikha, who will take his leave later this week at the same church.
Stock image of a pallet dispenser
A Primary Connect spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that the company, which is responsible for Woolworths’ supply chain platform, is “deeply saddened” by Mr Brikha’s death.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with our team member’s friends and family at this difficult time and we are currently supporting the family and our two team members who were also injured in the incident,” they said.
“We are working with NSW Police and SafeWork NSW to investigate the incident and we will also conduct our own investigation.
“Out of respect for the team members and their families, we have closed our distribution center for a period of time.”
It is clear that supply chain personnel have been offered advisory services.
United Workers Union has issued a statement expressing their condolences to Mr Brikha’s family and confirming its support for his colleagues.
“The United Workers Union is deeply saddened that a member of Woolworth’s DC died in the line of duty yesterday,” it tweeted on Wednesday.
“We are working with the company to ensure that all employees at the site are supported during this sad time and have access to the appropriate services.
“Every worker must be able to go home unscathed to his family.”
The workplace tragedy led to supply shortages across Sydney. Pictured is a photo of an empty fresh produce shelf posted online by a customer
Members of an unofficial Facebook group made up of distribution center union members said pallet dispensers should be banned in the wake of the tragedy.
Pallet dispensers are machines designed to automatically load, store and dispense pallets, which – depending on size – can handle between 20 and 50 pallets at a time.
“All pallet dispensers across Australia must be shut down immediately at Woolworths DC [distribution centre] after death in Minchbury,” SNDC wrote in a post online.
“The union must act to protect its members.”
Dozens of members liked the post, with one woman saying the incident was ‘only a matter of time’ as the machines were unsafe.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Woolworths for comment.
The industrial accident last week disrupted operations, causing significant stock shortages at Woolworths stores across Sydney.
Shoppers shared photos on social media of empty shelves as some stores were stripped of fresh produce.
A spokesperson for Woolworths said inventory levels are expected to return to normal this week.