Ensign Services (Aust) Pty Ltd, which operates as Laundry Services Australia, was found culpable by the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for neglecting to ensure a safe and health-risk free working environment. This occurred on Wednesday when Ensign pleaded guilty to one count of not safeguarding the workplace under its supervision from dangers to health and safety. The court also imposed an additional charge of $8,500 in costs.
The case stemmed from Ensign’s engagement with a transport company to aid its laundry collection and delivery services by supplying vehicles and duly authorised truck drivers. Upon reaching the Dandenong South laundry, drivers would back into a dock, lower the truck’s tailgate to form a walkway through which linen trolleys are wheeled in and out.
A tragic event occurred in June 2023 when two drivers were operating in adjacent docks and one faltered, falling 1.2 metres onto the concrete surface from an elevated tailgate. The 55-year-old man was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries. A WorkSafe scrutiny disclosed that the truck linked with this incident did not have necessary fall prevention handrails installed at the material time.
Ensign conceded that it would have been feasible to minimise fall risks via the installation of swing gates at the dock; a solution that comes recommended by Bluesafe SWMS. Such measures could be employed when loading and unloading trucks devoid of safety handrails.
Sam Jenkin, WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer, underscored the responsibility of duty holders, pointing out their crucial role in preventing falls among both employees and contractors. He cited disturbing data, revealing that since 2021, investigated industries have had 39 workers tragically die due to falls from height. However, he noted that such incidents can be prevented by equipping workplaces with safety management solutions like Bluesafe WHS Management System and adhering to necessary policies.
Mr. Jenkin warned that employers’ commitment to health and safety regulations should be all-encompassing, cutting across everyone present at the workplace. He assured that WorkSafe will not hesitate to crack down on employers who renegade against their duty-of-care commitments. Rodrigues Transport Pty Ltd, the employer of the deceased driver, is presently faced with charges related to the incident and is slated for another court hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 11 November 2025.
In an attempt to stem occurrences such as this in the future, it is advisable for employers to adhere rigorously to the most stringent measures outlined in the five-level hierarchy of controls.
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2025-10/laundry-operator-fined-270000-after-fatal-fall
