SafeWork SA targets distillers in WHS blitz

SafeWork SA Targets Distillers in WHS Blitz

SafeWork SA is conducting inspections at distilleries throughout the state to ensure they comply with workplace health and safety rules and regulations regarding dangerous substances. South Australia's safety watchdog confirms this initiative marks the first coordinated effort of its kind for the sector.

Why SA Distilleries Are Under Scrutiny

Inspectors are carrying out audits for the first time to minimise risk for staff and the general public. Distilleries produce and store highly flammable liquids, including ethanol, creating hazardous conditions tied to explosive atmospheres.

SafeWork SA states, "Distilleries produce and store highly flammable liquids, including ethanol, and create risks associated with explosive atmospheres, confined spaces, pressure vessels, electrical safety, chemicals, cylinder storage and pallet racking."

Confined spaces, pressure vessels, and plant used in production add further layers of risk. Electrical safety issues, chemical hazards, cylinder storage practices, and pallet racking arrangements all fall within scope of this review.

A Serious Precedent: The 2021 Tasmanian Incident

According to the safety agency, a Tasmanian distillery experienced a blast in 2021 that resulted in severe injuries to an employee. This incident underscores why hazardous chemical handling and plant maintenance demand close attention across the industry.

SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell said the remarkable surge in the number of distilleries in SA over the past few years led to launch of this six-month initiative. Growth within the sector has outpaced routine compliance checks, prompting regulators to act.

What Inspectors Will Examine

Distillery operators should expect scrutiny across several critical areas, including:

• Storage and handling of flammable liquids and hazardous chemicals
• Electrical safety standards for equipment and wiring near volatile substances
• Structural integrity of pressure vessels and production plant
• Confined space entry procedures and associated risk controls
• Cylinder storage and pallet racking compliance

Businesses operating within this workplace sector are encouraged to review their safety documentation ahead of any visit. Comprehensive WHS document finder resources can help distillers identify gaps before inspectors arrive.

Building a Stronger Safety Culture

Operators seeking to strengthen their compliance position should consider updating core safety documentation, including electrical safety procedures, chemical handling protocols, and plant maintenance records. A well-structured WHS policy manual supports consistent application of health and safety standards across every site task.

This SafeWork SA action follows similar regulatory efforts across other sectors, including a recent safety blitz targeting SA aged care homes and a separate safety blitz targeting construction sites in Wollondilly, reflecting a broader statewide push toward proactive compliance across high-risk industries.

For more on this story, go to the SafeWork SA website.