Man killed in workplace accident at Clyde construction site in Sydney’s west

A man has died in a workplace incident in Sydney’s west after being trapped by falling shelves, in what emergency services have described as “an absolute tragedy”.

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 falling shelves.

Emergency services were called to PlastaMasta on Kendall St, in Clyde, shortly before 8am on Wednesday.

Paramedics treated a 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, within the 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. Picture: Supplied

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.

A police car outside the business. Picture: NewsLocal

“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 underway.

A NSW Police forensics officer also arrived to photograph the site, including a truck which is understood to have been scraped by shelves.

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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Originally published as Man killed in workplace accident at Clyde construction site in Sydney’s west