National waste management company, Cleanaway, faces charges under federal work health and safety laws after a fire at its facility in Sydney caused serious injuries to a worker.
The incident occurred in April 2022 when flammable gases escaped during the processing of hazardous waste, leading to a fire sparked by an electrical fault.
The injured worker sustained severe burns, and the fire required a massive firefighting response.
A subsequent Comcare investigation revealed alleged failures in providing a safe work system for machinery maintenance and operation. The charge is a Category 2 criminal offense, carrying a maximum penalty of $1.5 million.
The matter is scheduled for mention at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court in June 2024. Cleanaway is a national employer in the Comcare scheme and falls under regulation by Commonwealth work health and safety laws.
