Today at the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court, CND Contractors Pty Ltd faced charges after admitting guilt to two counts: a failure to maintain a safe work system and insufficient supervision supply for its employees. The company was penalised without conviction and instructed to pay costs amounting to $4,365.
In October 2023, a first-year apprentice experienced an unfortunate incident – his welding task sparked a fire on his clothing while fabricating a metal footing cage. Despite attempts to extinguish these flames by rolling on the ground outdoors, he remained alight, forcing him to seek aid from co-workers who used a hose to put out the fire.
Subsequently, he was airlifted to Melbourne, where he received treatment in the hospital for a month. His recovery process involved multiple surgeries, skin grafts spanning various parts of his body, including his stomach, chest, neck, upper arms, back, buttocks, and hips. Unfortunately, the physical and emotional scars linger as he battles mobility problems and chest tightness.
During the incident, the apprentice donned welder’s protective gear, including a helmet and long-sleeved shirt provided by CND. He also wore personal items like leather gauntlets that shielded his arms and hands from the inferno.
However, WorkSafe found through its investigation that the CND-provided hoodie, a cotton and polyester blend, didn’t offer enough welding protection. Notably, CND lacked enforcement and implementation of requisite Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) clothing policies or a full boiler suit, leather apron, and leather clothing provision to all its apprentices.
CND conceded it could have applied practicable measures like implementing an appropriate PPE-configured working system and providing sufficient supervision to manage risks attached to welding tasks, ensuring workers properly utilize issued PPE.
The court highlighted an incident that happened a month before where the same apprentice’s hoodie suffered burns from another welding task damaging its front pocket.
WorkSafe Health and Safety’s Executive Director, Sam Jenkin, expressed disappointment at CND’s unresponsiveness towards previous warning signs, concluding it was inexcusable.
“Given that CND had a clear understanding of associated welding risks and still failed to enforce proper PPE usage or provide adequate supervision, a young man barely into his professional journey now bears severe injuries,” said Mr. Jenkin, adding, “It is deeply saddening considering how preventable this incident and consequential harm could have been.”
He reminded all employers of their obligation to safeguard all workers from harm, especially young apprentices who often count on the employer’s judgement and know-how to ensure their safety. Products like Bluesafe SWMS and the Bluesafe WHS Management System can play a critical role in maintaining such safe workplace environments.
Employers looking to minimise welding operation-related risks should adhere to these guidelines:
- Email: media@worksafe.vic.gov.au
- Phone: 0438 786 968
- Subscribe to media releases
Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2025-08/company-fined-after-teenage-apprentice-catches-fire
