Explosion at Shepparton Recycling Plant: A Preventable Incident with Painful Lessons

On May 12, 2025, a significant safety incident at a Shepparton recycling plant operated by Rose and Co Services Pty Ltd resulted in six workers sustaining injuries due to an aerosol gas explosion. Two of the injured were airlifted to The Alfred Hospital's Burns Unit, while four others received hospital treatment for superficial burns. The explosion occurred when pressurized aerosol cans were shredded, causing flames to spread up to 18 metres from the machine before being extinguished by workers.

Incident Overview

The court found that Rose and Co Services failed to provide a safe system of work and breached Dangerous Goods Regulations by not adequately instructing workers on the hazards associated with handling dangerous goods. Specifically, the company did not ensure that aerosol cans were depressurized before shredding and stored bulk containers in a manner that reduced ventilation around the shredder. These oversights contributed to the explosion.

Legal Consequences

In March 2025, the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court convicted Rose and Co Services, imposing a total fine of $35,000—$30,000 for failing to provide a safe system of work and $5,000 for breaching Dangerous Goods Regulations. Additionally, the company was ordered to pay $5,292 in legal costs.

Lessons Learned

This incident underscores several critical lessons for industries handling hazardous materials:

1. Proper Handling of Dangerous Goods: Ensure that all pressurized containers, such as aerosol cans, are fully depressurized before processing to prevent explosive reactions.

2. Adequate Ventilation: Maintain sufficient ventilation around machinery that processes flammable materials to disperse any hazardous vapours effectively.

3. Employee Training: Provide comprehensive training to employees on the risks associated with dangerous goods and the proper procedures for handling them safely.

4. Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Regularly assess potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures to mitigate risks.

5. Emergency Preparedness: Develop and communicate clear emergency response plans to all employees to ensure swift action in case of incidents.

Commentary

The Shepparton explosion serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety protocols when dealing with hazardous materials. Employers must prioritize the health and safety of their workers by adhering to established regulations and continuously evaluating and improving their safety practices. Failure to do so not only endangers employees but also exposes companies to significant legal and financial repercussions.

For more information on safe practices for handling dangerous goods, refer to WorkSafe Victoria's guidelines: (worksafe.vic.gov.au)