Image: The Woolworths supply chain team member was killed after pallets collapsed onto him. Photo: AAP Image/Joel Carrett
By TILEAH DOBSON
The death of a distribution centre worker earlier this week in Sydney’s west has left the fresh produce section in some Woolworths supermarkets empty of products.
A 37-year-old worker part of the supply chain team sadly died on Tuesday after pallets had collapsed in one of the factories in Minchinbury.
An additional two workers had been rushed to the hospital in serious conditions but have reportedly been discharged since.
The distribution centre is one of a few that supply the Greater Sydney area and the centre was shut down for 24 hours and then reopened Wednesday evening.
As a result of the centre shutdown, fresh produce sections in Leichhardt, Marrickville, Neutral Bay and North Sydney were void of any fresh items like apples, nuts, and lettuces.
A spokesperson for Woolworths told the Sydney Morning Herald that operations have resumed.
“There has been an impact on supply for some products, including fruit and vegetables, in some of our Sydney stores,” a spokesperson said.
“This is due to the tragic accident that took place at one of our distribution centres earlier this week. There may be slight delays in restocking some products until next week. We thank our customers for their understanding at this time.”
Full Co-operation with Police and SafeWork NSW
Part of the Woolworths Group’s supply chain, Primary Connect is reportedly co-operating with SafeWork NSW and NSW Police as an investigation into the incident begins.
City Hub spoke with a spokesperson for Primary Connect who told the publication that they are “deeply saddened by the tragic incident.”
“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.”
A spokesperson for NSW Police told City Hub that officers from Blacktown attended to the scene “following reports of a workplace accident,” after being told that “three people had been injured after pallets collapsed.”
“NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a 37-year-old man at the scene; he was taken to hospital in a critical condition,” they said.
“Police have been told the man has since passed away in hospital. Two other people were taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.”
“SafeWork NSW have been notified and police will prepare a report for the Coroner.”
