NSW Recycler Fined $472,500 After Fatal Green Waste Grinder Incident
06 May 2026•BlueSafe Team•Source: SafeWork NSW
A New South Wales recycling business has been fined $472,500 following the death of a worker who was fatally injured while attempting to clear a blockage in a green waste grinder. The case highlights the critical importance of robust WHS management systems, safe systems of work and clear procedures when operating plant and machinery.
Northwest Recycling Centre Pty Ltd has been ordered to pay a $472,500 fine by the District Court of New South Wales following a prosecution brought by SafeWork NSW, after a worker was fatally injured while working with a green waste grinder.
The incident occurred on 8 July 2022, when the worker attempted to clear a blockage from within the feed chute of a Van Gelder Green Waste Grinder. During this process, the worker sustained fatal injuries, underscoring the extreme risks associated with interacting with moving plant and fixed machinery without stringent control measures and clearly documented safe work procedures.
Northwest Recycling Centre Pty Ltd entered a guilty plea to an offence under section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW), for failing to comply with its primary duty of care to workers under section 19(1). The court found that the business had not adequately ensured the health and safety of its worker while operating the plant.
The full judgment in SafeWork NSW v Northwest Recycling Centre Pty Ltd is available on the NSW Caselaw website. The company retains the right to appeal the sentence imposed by the District Court.
SafeWork NSW has reiterated that risk control measures for work involving mobile plant, vehicles and fixed machinery are well established and expected to be implemented. This includes comprehensive risk assessments, lock-out and isolation procedures, guarding, and clear, task-specific Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for activities such as clearing blockages and maintenance.
SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer emphasised that preventing injuries from moving plant and machinery remains a regulatory priority for SafeWork NSW. She noted that awareness of hazards, thorough risk assessment and the implementation of safe systems of work are essential to reducing serious incidents in workplaces where plant and equipment are in use.
The Commissioner reminded all PCBUs and business owners of their duty under WHS legislation to protect workers and others from risks arising from plant, machinery and equipment. Strong WHS management systems, supported by clear policies, procedures and SWMS, are critical to meeting these obligations. Businesses seeking to strengthen their documented systems can access structured WHS management system templates and tools, such as those available at Bluesafe WHS Management Systems.
Workers who are concerned about health and safety issues in their workplace can report matters anonymously to SafeWork NSW by calling 13 10 50 or by using the Speak Up Save Lives online service. SafeWork NSW also provides extensive guidance material and resources to help employers and workers manage the risks associated with plant, machinery and equipment.