Vic wheel manufacturer charged for breaching workplace safety laws

Vic Wheel Manufacturer Charged for Breaching Workplace Safety Laws

A Victorian wheel manufacturer has been charged over unsafe work practices following a number of incidents at a Mildura workshop between August 2018 and February 2020. The case highlights how gaps in workplace safety management can expose businesses to serious legal consequences across Australia.

The company faces charges under s.21 of the OHS Act for failing to provide a safe workplace. This provision sits at the core of Victoria's occupational health and safety laws, requiring employers to maintain systems that protect worker wellbeing at every stage of operations.

What WorkSafe Alleges

WorkSafe alleges the wheel manufacturer twice breached a section of the OHS Act by failing to provide instruction, training or supervision. Proper training forms a critical pillar of health and safety management, particularly in manufacturing environments where machinery poses ongoing risk to personnel.

Victoria's workplace health and safety regulator further alleges the company contravened s.101 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations by failing to locate or guard operator controls against unintentional activation. This alleged failure in equipment management increased risk exposure for staff operating machinery without adequate safeguards.

Why Safety Management Matters in Manufacturing

Effective safety management requires more than compliance on paper — it demands practical systems that reduce risk at the point of operation. In manufacturing settings, this includes:

• Comprehensive worker training and supervision programs
• Correct guarding and placement of operator controls
• Regular risk assessments of machinery and tools
• Clear documentation supporting ongoing safety management practices

Businesses that overlook these fundamentals risk breaching workplace safety laws and facing regulatory action, as seen in this case. For guidance on strengthening compliance frameworks, see our related coverage of VIC companies facing charges for breaching workplace safety regulations.

Comparable Cases Across Victorian Industry

This isn't an isolated example. Similar enforcement actions have targeted other manufacturers for safety management shortfalls, including a VIC steel manufacturer penalised for various safety breaches and a Vic concrete manufacturer fined for near miss workplace incident. Together, these cases demonstrate a consistent regulatory focus on manufacturing sector accountability.

Strengthening Workplace Safety Management

Organisations seeking to avoid similar charges should prioritise robust safety management systems, supported by clear procedures, accessible tools, and regular training refreshers. Reviewing current practices against established workplace safety rules offers a useful starting point for businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions.

Employers should also consider attending industry events such as the Workplace Health and Safety Show, where safety management professionals share practical tools for reducing risk and meeting legislative obligations.

Read the full story on the WorkSafe Victoria website.