WorkSafe Victoria has charged a fencing company after a steel gate collapsed onto a member of the public at an airport hotel in Tullamarine, Melbourne, causing serious injuries.
The incident occurred in November 2024, with WorkSafe announcing four charges against the company under the Occupational Health and Safety Act on 4 November 2026.
WorkSafe alleges the company failed to:
- Prepare a documented welding procedure specifying the type, size and method of welds required.
- Ensure welding work was undertaken and supervised by competent and qualified personnel.
- Have the welds inspected and tested by a qualified welding inspector before the gate was supplied and installed.
The charges relate to alleged failures to ensure people other than employees were not exposed to health and safety risks.
The matter is scheduled for a filing hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 6 November 2026.
A reminder for the fencing and gate industry
The incident highlights the importance of appropriate welding procedures, qualified personnel and inspection processes when manufacturing and installing steel gates.
A court has not yet determined the allegations.