Victorian company charged after worker fatally struck by automatic gate

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Victorian company charged after worker fatally struck by automatic gate

A specialist gate repair company has been charged after a truck driver was fatally struck by an automatic sliding gate at a Dandenong depot last year. WorkSafe has charged the gate automation systems provider with a breach of section 23(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to protect people who were not employees.

The 59-year-old man died after the gate fell on him in April 2022. His death highlights ongoing safety concerns around automatic gate maintenance across Victorian worksites.

Summary of the incident

• A truck driver was fatally struck by an automatic sliding gate at a Dandenong depot in April 2022.
• WorkSafe has charged the responsible company with breaching section 23(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Charges relate to failure to protect non-employees from foreseeable risk.
• Company representatives are expected in court on 9 May 2023 for a filing hearing.

Why this matters for workplace safety

Incidents like this one underscore why gate maintenance providers carry significant responsibility for public and worker safety. When automatic systems fail, consequences can be severe, and this case adds to growing WorkSafe news around fatal workplace incidents involving mechanical equipment.

Businesses installing or servicing automatic gates must ensure regular inspection schedules, competent installation practices, and clear risk assessments are documented and followed. Reviewing a automatic gate installation SWMS can help companies identify hazards before they result in tragedy.

Court proceedings

Maluko Pty Ltd is expected in court on 9 May 2023 for a filing hearing. Charged companies facing OHS breaches often see this stage as the first step toward determining liability and, potentially, significant penalties.

This case follows other recent safety news involving fatal incidents at Victorian depots. Readers may also find relevance in coverage of a worker fatally struck by a falling gate at a Melbourne depot, which shares similar circumstances around gate failure and site safety oversight.

Broader safety implications

WorkSafe continues to pursue action against companies that fail to manage foreseeable risk, particularly where automated equipment poses a danger to workers and members of the public. Recent safety news has also covered a Victorian transport company charged after a worker's fatal fall, alongside a Victorian building company charged after a worker's fatal fall, both illustrating how OHS enforcement extends across industries.

For companies managing contractors or third-party technicians around gate systems, maintaining a worker contractor manual supports clearer accountability and safety expectations on site.

Key takeaway

This case serves as a reminder that safety obligations extend beyond direct employees to anyone who may be affected by a company's equipment or operations. Maintaining rigorous safety standards for automatic gates reduces risk and protects lives, and staying informed through WorkSafe news helps businesses understand emerging compliance expectations.

Source: WorkSafe Victoria website.

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