Shepparton, Australia — An Australian recycling firm has faced significant consequences after an explosion at its facility injured six employees. The incident, linked to aerosol gas, led to a dramatic increase in the company’s fines from AUD 35,000 to AUD 260,000, highlighting serious breaches in workplace safety standards.
In December 2025, Rose & Co Services Pty Ltd was found guilty of multiple safety violations stemming from the March disaster, which occurred while workers were operating a shredder designed to process aerosol cans. The fines now include AUD 220,000 for failing to ensure a safe working environment and an additional AUD 40,000 for neglecting to adequately inform employees about handling hazardous materials.
Investigations revealed that many of the aerosol cans on a conveyor leading to the shredder were still pressurized, despite being marked as “empty to recycle.” Inadequate ventilation around the machinery further compounded the risks. During the explosion, flames erupted up to 18 meters from the shredding area, prompting employees to use fire extinguishers to combat the fire.
Among the injured, two workers endured severe burns and were transported to the Alfred Hospital’s Burns Unit. One individual was prone underneath the shredder when the explosion occurred, while another was operating a forklift nearby. Additionally, four other employees required emergency care for less severe burns.
The regulatory body WorkSafe conducted a thorough investigation into the incident, uncovering that the company had previously been alerted to the potential fire hazards associated with their equipment. Records showed that prior audits had recommended comprehensive training for all staff members on the handling of dangerous goods.
Barb Hill, Acting Chief Health and Safety Officer at WorkSafe, emphasized the preventable nature of the incident, attributing it to a lack of proper training and ineffective safety protocols in place. “Employers must take every precaution when working with hazardous materials. The penalties reflect our commitment to enforcing safety regulations and holding companies accountable for endangering their employees,” she stated.
WorkSafe highlighted the necessity for Rose & Co Services to develop comprehensive safety measures, which could have included puncturing or emptying cans before processing, improving ventilation, and ensuring proper training for employees handling dangerous items. The firm’s failure to act on these preventive measures was a key factor leading to the explosion and subsequent injuries.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of workplace safety, particularly within industries dealing with hazardous materials. The escalated fines not only reflect the severity of the incident but also serve as a warning to other businesses about the potential consequences of inadequate safety practices.