Workers at IGA parent company Metcash claim workplace safety problems rife at warehouse site

A girl was allegedly told she was “going to hell” because of her sexuality in a raft of workplace safety complaints – but the regulator has been accused of not investigating properly.

A watchdog investigation into a major South Australian brand was closed with none of fifteen witnesses interviewed about workplace safety complaints.

The Advertiser can reveal that Metcash, which owns the IGA supermarket brand and Mitre 10, was investigated by SafeWork SA between April and Augustthis year.

The complaints related to alleged workplace hazards at its Pt Wakefield Rd warehouse, culminating in June when an employee was struck by a forklift driven by another employee.

According to a witness, the employee did not realise he had knocked the person down and upon being told responded, “Oh, did I?”

He allegedly failed to report the incident per the company’s policies but remained in his position after the news travelled upward.

Metcash’s distribution facility at Port Wakefield Rd, Gepps Cross, which was investigated by SafeWork SA. Picture: Supplied

Employees also alleged that another staff member harassed an LGBT worker because of her sexuality, reportedly telling her she would be “going to hell”, and no evacuation orders were given during a gas leak scare despite several complaints.

An employee who did not wish to be named claimed staff on the warehouse floor were encouraged to suggest safety improvements but they did not appear to be implemented consistently.

“If you express concerns about safety, the general answer is, ‘We’ll look into it’,” the employee said.

“If you ask us for help to improve things, you have to take them on board … We have regular ‘toolbox meetings’ for safety, but in my experience, nothing really happens afterwards.

“It’s affecting me mentally, because I don’t want to hurt anyone, but it’s just not safe.”

SDA SA secretary Josh Peak said the union would use its right of entry powers to further investigate the Metcash warehouse. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Because of confidentiality laws, SafeWork said it could not comment on its investigations, including whether enforcement actions were taken and if witnesses were contacted.

A Metcash spokeswoman told The Advertiser it “investigated the reported claims and took appropriate actions at the time”.

The company co-operated with the regulator and was advised no further actions were required, according to the spokeswoman.

“We pride ourselves on our strong safety practices, including proactively identifying and addressing hazards,” she said.

“We continue to see improvements in our key safety measures, and we are committed to continuously lifting our safety standards.”

Josh Peak, secretary of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association SA, said the union intended to use its powers under the Work Safety Act to gain entry to the site and investigate further.

“Should the SDA be unsatisfied with action taken by the employer and the regulator, we reserve the right to bring a work health and safety dispute at the South Australian Employment Tribunal,” Mr Peak said.

A 2022 review into SafeWork SA by senior public servant John Merritt found the agency struggled with understaffing, transparency and a poor internal culture.

Legislative changes passed in September addressed some of Mr Merritt’s recommendations, allowing affected parties to take matters directly to the Tribunal, even if SafeWork has not issued any directions.