Woolworths makes major change to operations after worker’s death

A Woolworths worker’s death last month has sparked operational changes for the Australian supermarket giant.

A worker’s death in Western Sydney last month has sparked operational changes for Australian supermarket giant Woolworths.

Basel (Baz) Brikha, a worker at the Minchinbury site, died after dozens of pallets collapsed onto him on June 27. The pallet dispenser that caused the tragedy has now been banned by the company.

Shocked friends and loved ones remembered the man as a “gentle giant” and the “most beautiful soul”.

The tragic loss of Basel ‘Baz’ Brikha has left his loved ones devastated. 

“I have no words that can express how much pain my boys and I are feeling for you. It wasn’t your time! We still had so much to do together,” a longtime friend of Baz, Hera Sefou, said. “I just can’t believe it. God really does take the best.”

She fondly recalled how Mr Brikha would dedicate his only day off to join her family for Monday family dinners.

“My Baz, I hope you’re resting easy with your mama. I will make sure that Eli knows just how amazing his godfather was. I will never forget you. My heart is so broken.”

A SafeWork NSW investigation remains underway.

Baz Brikha was remembered as a gentle giant. Picture: Facebook

In the wake of the tragedy, United Workers Union said every worker should be entitled to get home unscathed.

“The United Workers Union is deeply saddened that a member from Woolworth’s (distribution centre) died on shift yesterday,” said Sam Roberts, logistics director at the UWU.

“Our sympathies are with the man’s family and his colleagues and we are providing support where we can.

“We are working with the company to ensure all workers at the site are supported during this sorrowful time and are able to access appropriate services.

“Our thoughts are with the other two hospitalised men involved in the incident, and we hope they’ll make a full recovery.

Woolworths has made changes to its operations nationwide. NCA NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

“Every worker should be able to go home to their family unscathed.”

Many workers on a Facebook page used by distribution centre union members called for pallet dispensers to be banned.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson from Woolworths’ supply-chain arm Primary Connect said: “The pallet dispenser in question is not in use.”

“In other (distribution centres), pallet dispensers of the same model are currently not in use,” they continued.

“We’re continuing to cooperate with Safe Work NSW on their investigation.”

The machines automatically stack and unstack large numbers of pallets, and the group had raised concerns regarding the safety of such machinery, with members saying a death was inevitable.