WorkSafe Probes Geelong Refinery Blaze and Safety Controls

WorkSafe Victoria has confirmed that inspectors and major hazard specialists are on site at the Geelong oil refinery following a fire at the facility's MOGAS Unit at about 11.15pm last night. The regulator is providing technical advice and support to lead agencies, including Fire Rescue Victoria, as the response continues.

Initial reports indicate that no workers were injured during the incident. WorkSafe has emphasised that ensuring the health and safety of workers, emergency responders and the surrounding community remains the immediate priority.

Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said a thorough investigation into the origin and circumstances of the fire will commence once the site is stabilised and confirmed as safe to enter.

"As Victoria's health and safety and dangerous goods regulator, WorkSafe's current focus is supporting lead agencies so that all work at the refinery is undertaken safely and without exposing workers or the public to further risk," Mr Jenkin said.

He acknowledged the concern within the local community and confirmed that WorkSafe will maintain close engagement with stakeholders throughout the response and recovery phases.

WorkSafe has reiterated that it treats the management of dangerous goods as a critical WHS issue and will use all available regulatory powers to hold duty holders accountable where legal obligations are not met. Robust WHS management systems and clearly documented policies and procedures are essential in high-risk environments such as oil refineries, helping to control hazards and support effective emergency response.

The Geelong refinery is a licensed major hazard facility and is subject to strict legislative requirements and regular inspections by WorkSafe's Major Hazards and Dangerous Goods division. This specialist team provides guidance to duty holders, reviews risk control measures, and can take enforcement action when there is evidence of non-compliance or an immediate threat to health and safety.

As part of its oversight, WorkSafe expects operators of major hazard facilities to implement and maintain comprehensive WHS management systems and, where relevant, Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for high-risk tasks, ensuring that the risks associated with dangerous goods and complex processes are systematically identified, assessed and controlled. Guidance on such systems is available through industry resources, including dedicated WHS management system frameworks such as those offered at BlueSafe Online.

WorkSafe has noted that investigations into incidents of this complexity can be extensive, often taking more than 12 months to complete. Findings typically consider engineering controls, procedural safeguards, emergency response performance and compliance with statutory duties.

Media enquiries can be directed to WorkSafe Victoria via email at media@worksafe.vic.gov.au or by phone on 0438 786 968.