Worker killed by packaging machine

An NSW worker has been killed while carrying out a maintenance task on a packaging machine at Vinidex in Smithfield, Sydney. The machine was somehow activated and crushed the man killing him instantly.

The accident occurred early on Sunday morning at around 12:30am.

The police were initially called to the scene and have conducted and concluded their investigations. The matter is now in the hands of WorkCover NSW and they are expected to conduct an investigation over the next few days.

The Australian Workers' Union NSW Secretary Russ Collison said: "This is an absolute tragedy and we need to find out all the facts of how this fatality occurred."

"Losing a workmate in these circumstances is just horrific" Mr Collison said.

"The union has at this stage been denied access to the accident scene.

" We need to know that all safety precautions were taken and there are no breaches of the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000.

"We understand that the man's wife is overseas and we are not aware if contact has been made with her and the family.

" Our thoughts go to the victim's family and to those workmates who will obviously be affected by this tragedy" Mr Collison concluded.