Man killed in workplace incident at PlastaMasta warehouse in Clyde

An investigation into a workplace death in Sydney’s west is set to examine whether the “absolute tragedy” was caused by a truck reversing into shelving, knocking building materials onto a worker.

Police at the scene on Wednesday morning. Picture: NewsLocal

Devastated colleagues are reeling after the death of a man, who was killed at a western Sydney plastering business when he was trapped by the falling contents of shelves.

It is understood the investigation will examine whether plasterboard on the shelves fell because a truck reversed into the structure inside the PlastaMasta warehouse at Kendall St, Clyde, shortly before 8am on Wednesday.

Authorities believe the shelves destabilised, causing the building materials to strike the 55-year-old man, who succumbed to his injuries in what Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry described as “an absolute tragedy”.

“There’s racking that has been involved, which has become unstable in there,” Supt Dewberry said at the scene, in an industrial zone near Granville.

“They’ve got some stabilisation equipment in place but it’s still pretty precarious, so that’s something they’re going to have to work around in the recovery process as well.”

Emergency services, including a forensics officer, at the scene.

Supt Dewberry said paramedics provided “serious treatment” to the man, but he died on site.

“It’s a true tragedy when you go to work during the day, expecting to go home,” he said.

The man died inside the large PlastaMasta workplace.

“But, unfortunately, (it’s) an absolutely devastating day for everyone involved.

“It’s a very sombre mood, which is understandable. It’s just an absolute tragedy.”

Supt Dewberry said workers at the site appeared to be “pretty close”, describing them as “absolutely devastated”.

“These are things you don’t forget,” he said.

“You take it with you for the rest of your life, so hopefully their wellbeing can be looked after.”

Cumberland police officers have established a crime scene, with investigations under way.

A NSW Police forensics officer also arrived to photograph the site, including a truck which was towed away after being examined.

The incident has also been referred to SafeWork NSW, whose inspectors were seen arriving at the scene on Wednesday morning.

A report will ultimately be prepared for the coroner.

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