Power company charged after hot works fire

The operator of a Yallourn power station has been charged after a fire broke out during maintenance works in a fuel distribution house in November 2021. EnergyAustralia Yallourn Pty Ltd is facing five charges under section 21(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment. The company allegedly breached the OHS Act by failing to provide employees with the necessary supervision to perform hot works in a way that was safe and without risks to health.

The company is also facing charges for four breaches of section 21(2)(a) of the OHS Act, for failing to provide or maintain safe systems of work. WorkSafe Victoria alleges that the company failed to ensure continuous monitoring of fire risk during hot works, and also failed to ensure a safety distance of 15 metres between flammable materials and the hot works area. The matter will be addressed at a filing hearing at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on 21 November 2023.

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