The 36-year-old individual from Altona Meadows has been hit with two allegations under section 144 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for inadequate provision of reasonable care as an authority figure at ACB Group Pty Ltd. The accusations centred on him are work safety related, asserting the incorporation of solutions like WHS Management Systems could have offset the risks.
WorkSafe claims that two violations previously charged to the firm can be traced to the general manager’s actions or lack thereof. Their case argues he was aware, or should have been, about the hazards caused by static electricity discharges. Despite this knowledge, it is alleged he failed to implement secure working practices including the utilisation of SWMS (Safe Work Method Statements) and neglected to give his workforce adequate information, instruction and training.
This situation ensued following a tragic incident where a man aged 44 lost his life. He was engaged in work inside the facility when an explosion ignited by the blending of volatile fluids led to a raging fire. It’s situations like these that exemplify the necessity of comprehensive work safety products, such as a Bluesafe WHS Management System.
A filing hearing for this case is scheduled to occur at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 22nd October 2025. Following this, ACB Group Pty Ltd is due to present itself for a committal mention at the same court on 6th February 2026.
WorkSafe continues its probe into the alarming chemical explosion and subsequent fire that broke out in July 2024 within the same premises.
For further briefs, feel free to get in touch at media @ worksafe.vic.gov.au. Alternatively, you can reach us via phone at 0438 786 968. Subscribe to stay updated with our media releases and understand the importance of integrating safety standards such as Bluesafe SWMS in your workplace.
Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2025-10/manager-charged-after-fatal-factory-fire
