In a significant legal outcome, Rose & Co Services Pty Ltd has been fined $225,000 following an appeal that stemmed from a serious incident in May 2023, where an explosion at their facility injured six workers. Originally convicted and fined $35,000 in March 2025, the company’s penalties were dramatically increased by the Melbourne County Court on December 11, 2025, for violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Dangerous Goods Act.
The court’s decision included a substantial fine of $220,000 for failing to implement a safe working environment. An additional $40,000 was imposed for breaching regulations concerning the handling of dangerous goods, specifically the requirement to adequately inform workers about the hazards associated with their tasks. The company was also ordered to cover $5,292 in costs related to the proceedings.
On the day of the incident, workers were using a shredder to process aerosol cans, which are classified as Class 2.1 Dangerous Goods. The explosion occurred when the shredder was activated, leading to flames that spread up to 18 metres from the machine. The aftermath of the explosion resulted in two workers being airlifted to the Alfred Hospital‘s Burns Unit, while four others required hospital treatment for superficial burns.
WorkSafe’s investigation revealed that the majority of the aerosol cans on the conveyor belt were still pressurised, despite being marked with warnings to “empty to recycle.” Furthermore, bulk containers stored nearby limited ventilation, exacerbating the risk of an explosion. Investigators also found that the company’s hazard and risk register had previously identified fire risks associated with the shredder, and there was evidence that the machine had caught fire prior to this incident.
The Country Fire Authority had previously recommended that Rose & Co Services ensure all employees received training on the storage and handling of dangerous goods. Despite this, the company failed to provide essential training or instructions to the worker operating the shredder regarding the properties and hazards of the materials being processed.
Barb Hill, Acting Chief Health and Safety Officer at WorkSafe, stated that the company’s neglect directly contributed to the injuries sustained by six workers. “This incident was entirely preventable through proper training and adequate responses to previous fires and hazards the company was aware of,” Hill commented. “You cannot be too cautious when working with dangerous goods, and this outcome shows we will continue to fight for the strongest possible penalties against those who disregard their legal duties and endanger the lives of workers.”
Employers involved in handling or storing dangerous goods are legally obligated to provide comprehensive training and information to their workers, including guidance on the safe storage and handling practices. WorkSafe encourages companies to consult its Code of Practice to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
This ruling emphasizes the critical importance of workplace safety and the need for stringent adherence to regulations concerning dangerous materials, particularly in industries that handle hazardous substances. The legal consequences faced by Rose & Co Services serve as a reminder to all employers of their responsibility to maintain a safe working environment for their employees.
