SIFT fatality prompts investigation

AN INVESTIGATION is expected following the death of a freight handling worker at Sydney International Freight Terminal last weekend.

The man, reported to be in his 40s, was working for labour hire business Wymap People which works with Qantas Freight.

He experienced significant injuries to his head and chest as a result of being hit by a towing vehicle.

A SafeWork NSW spokesperson said they were "continuing to make enquiries into a workplace fatality that occurred at Sydney Airport on Sunday 7 September".

"As enquiries remain ongoing, no further comment can be made at this time," the spokesperson said.  

View news footage here.

The Freight and Trade Alliance (FTA) issued a statement extending “our deepest condolences to their family, friends, and colleagues”.

FTA said the terminal remained open but members had reported delays due to backlogs.

“Qantas has confirmed that storage fees for import cargo will be waived from Monday, 8 September through to midnight, Thursday, 11 September,” the FTA statement read.

“Senior management has assured that every effort is being made to resolve the situation as quickly as possible given the circumstances.”

In a statement to the Sydney Morning Herald, Wymap People said it was “saddened about the tragic accident involving a team member of Wymap People”.

“Our sympathy and condolences go out to the family, friends, team members and broader airport community,” the company said in a statement.

The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Emergency services interviewed several witnesses, including the operator of the heavy machinery involved in the tragedy.

Qantas also confirmed the incident and said it was “working closely with the relevant authorities and will provide support to all those affected”.