Tributes for Woolworths worker Basel Brikha who died in tragic accident at Sydney distribution centre

The tragic loss of a Woolworths worker who was fatally injured at a factory last week has left his family shocked.

The tragic loss of Basel “Baz” Brikha, a Woolworths worker who was fatally injured at a distribution centre, has left his loved ones devastated.

Loved ones have been left in shock at the way a Woolworths factory worker died on Tuesday.

Basel “Baz” Brikha, originally from New Zealand, was working at the supermarket giant’s distribution centre at Minchinbury in Sydney’s west at about 3.30pm last Tuesday when the incident occurred.

Friends and family are struggling to come to grips with the sudden and devastating loss under such bizarre circumstances. Colleagues have called for changes to working conditions to avoid a future similar tragedy.

On an Facebook page used by distribution centre union members, calls are being made to ban pallet dispensers.

The machines are designed to automatically handle large numbers of pallets. The group called for all machines, nationwide, to shut down, citing the tragedy at Minchinbury as evidence.

Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of such machinery, with members saying the death was inevitable.

Basel Brikha lost his life at a Woolworths distribution centre in Sydney.

Friends and family have described Mr Brikha as the “most beautiful soul”. He is being remembered for his gentle and kind nature, always bringing a smile to those around him, regardless of the circumstances.

Hera Sefou, a longtime friend who considered Mr Brikha as a godfather to her son, expressed her heartbreak, hoping that the news was merely a bad dream.

She fondly recalled how he would dedicate his only day off to joining her family for Monday family dinners.

“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,” she said.

“I just can’t believe it. God really does take the best.

“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.”

Another close companion, Martina Toma Eli, struggled to come to terms with the loss, finding it difficult to believe that Mr Brikha was no longer with them.

Hundreds of loved ones gathered at Saint Zaia Cathedral, in Middleton Grange, west of Liverpool in Sydney, to honour and remember Mr Brikha during a commemorative service.

Described as the ‘most beautiful soul’, Mr Brikha is being remembered for his gentle and kind nature, always bringing a smile to those around him, regardless of the circumstances.

Following the incident, Primary Connect, the Woolworths division that manages distribution centres, extended its condolences to Mr Brikha’s family and friends.

The company stated it would offer support and would work with NSW Police and SafeWork NSW during investigation. The distribution centre is temporarily closed.

Teh United Workers Union said every worker should be entitled to get home safely to their family.

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The workplace accident caused significant disruptions to operations, resulting in shortages of various supplies at Woolworths stores throughout Sydney.

Customers shared pictures on social media depicting empty shelves, stripped bare of fresh produce. A company spokesman reassured the public that stock levels are expected to return to normal this week.

Woolworths has been contacted by news.com.au.