WorkSafe charges two elevator companies with workplace manslaughter

Victoria's OHS regulator, WorkSafe, has charged two elevator companies with workplace manslaughter following the fatal electrocution of an apprentice at a West Melbourne apartment. This case highlights the serious legal consequences companies face when safety compliance fails on site.

The 21-year-old apprentice electrician was working on a car lift when he was electrocuted in March 2021. His death has prompted renewed scrutiny of maintenance conditions and safety practices within the elevator industry across Victoria.

What Charges Have Been Laid?

Both companies have been charged with workplace manslaughter under the OHS Act, Victoria's key piece of workplace safety legislation. This marks one of the more serious enforcement actions WorkSafe has pursued under this legislation since its introduction.

Workplace manslaughter provisions were added to strengthen accountability for employers whose negligence leads to a worker's death. Under the OHS Act, organisations found guilty can face significant penalties, reinforcing the importance of robust health and safety systems.

Court Proceedings

The two elevator companies will appear in court on 1 March 2023 for a filing hearing. This step formally begins legal proceedings and signals WorkSafe's commitment to holding businesses accountable for OHS failures that put workers at risk.

For safety professionals, this case serves as a reminder that maintaining rigorous safety standards isn't optional — it's a legal obligation with severe consequences when overlooked.

Why This Matters for Workplace Safety

This prosecution underscores how seriously Victoria treats breaches of health and safety obligations. Employers across construction, manufacturing, and trades sectors should view this case as a call to review their own compliance frameworks and ensure safety protocols meet current legislative requirements.

Businesses can strengthen their safety culture by regularly auditing procedures, training workers thoroughly, and staying updated with evolving OHS obligations. Companies seeking guidance on building strong safety systems may find it useful to review related coverage, including WorkSafe's ongoing investigations into workplace fatalities and WorkSafe's investigations into fatal workplace incidents, which highlight recurring compliance gaps across industries.

Organisations wanting to strengthen their internal safety documentation can also explore resources such as workplace mental health and psychosocial policies, which support broader worker wellbeing alongside physical safety measures.

Read more on the WorkSafe Victoria website.