Woolworths worker killed at Minchinbury is remembered in tributes, as workers calls for change

A Woolworths worker who was killed when crushed by falling pallets at a distribution centre has been remembered as the ‘most beautiful soul’. 

Basel ‘Baz’ Brikha, 37, was working at Woolworths Distribution Centre at Minchinbury in Sydney’s west about 3.30pm last Tuesday when he was struck by the pallets.

Mr Brikha was pinned to the ground. Two colleagues rushed to his aid, only for them to also be struck by pallets and suffer serious head injuries. 

All three were rushed to Westmead Hospital, but Mr Brikha later died.

The incident has sparked calls from union workers for a suspension in the use of pallet distributors while their safety is investigated. 

Emergency services are pictured at the scene last Tuesday after Mr Brikha and two colleagues were seriously injured

Tributes have poured in online for the beloved uncle and godfather, with loved ones describing him as a ‘gentle and kind soul’ who ‘would always bring a smile to your face, no matter what kind of day your having’. 

It is understood Mr Brikha grew up in Wellington, New Zealand, before later migrating to Australia. 

Longtime friend Hera Sefou said she was ‘heartbroken’ and was hoping it was a ‘bad dream’ after hearing Mr Brikha, who is a godfather to her son, had passed away. 

She said Mr Brikha would join her family on Mondays for ‘family dinners’ and – despite it being his only day off – he chose to spend it with them.  

‘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 loved one, Martina Toma Eli, said she was still struggling to come to terms with Mr Brikha’s death.

‘It just seems so unreal Baz,’ she said. 

Mr Brikha has been remembered as a ‘beautiful soul’ who always brought a smile to the faces of those around him

‘I know your [sic] at peace but we were just not ready.’

Hundreds of loved ones gathered at the Syriac Christian church of Saint Zaia Cathedral in Middleton Grange last Thursday to commemorate Mr Brikha, who will be farewelled at the same church later this week.

Stock image of a pallet dispenser 

A spokesperson for Primary Connect told Daily Mail Australia the company, which is responsible for Woolworths’ supply chain platform, was ‘deeply saddened’ by Mr Brikha’s death. 

‘Our thoughts and condolences are with our team member’s friends and family at this difficult time and we are currently supporting the family and our two team members who were also injured in the incident,’ they said. 

‘We are cooperating with NSW Police and SafeWork NSW to investigate the incident and we will also be undertaking our own investigation.

‘Out of respect for the team members and their families, we closed our distribution centre for a period of time.’

It is understood supply chain staff have been offered counselling services. 

United Workers Union has issued a statement offering their sympathies to Mr Brikha’s family and confirming it was providing support to his colleagues. 

‘The United Workers Union is deeply saddened that a member from Woolworth’s DC died on shift yesterday,’ it Tweeted on Wednesday.

‘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.

‘Every worker should be able to go home to their family unscathed.’ 

The workplace tragedy sparked supply shortages across Sydney. Pictured is a photo of an empty fresh produce shelf posted by a shopper online

Members of an unofficial Facebook group consisting of distribution centre union members said pallet dispensers should be banned in the wake of the tragedy. 

Pallet dispensers are machines designed to automatically load, store, and dispense pallets, which – depending on size – can handle between 20 to 50 pallets at a time. 

‘All pallet dispensers Australia wide should be shut down immediately in Woolworths DC [distribution centre] after the death at Minchbury,’ SNDC wrote in a post online.

‘The union has to act to protect their members.’ 

Dozens of members liked the post, with one woman saying the incident was ‘just a matter of time’ due to the machinery being unsafe. 

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Woolworths for comment. 

The workplace accident last week disrupted operations, sparking significant supply shortages at Woolworths stores across Sydney. 

Shoppers shared pictures on social media of empty shelves as some stores were stripped bare of fresh produce. 

A Woolworths spokesperson said stock levels are expected to return to normal this week.