Manager charged after fatal factory fire

The Altona Meadows man, 36, faces two charges under section 144 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to take reasonable care as an officer of ACB Group Pty Ltd.

WorkSafe alleges two of the contraventions the company was earlier charged over were attributable to the general manager in that he knew or ought to have known the risks associated with static electricity discharges, yet failed to implement a safe system of work and failed to ensure workers received necessary information, instruction and training.

It follows the death of a 44-year-old man, who was working inside the factory when an explosion and fire occurred during the blending of flammable liquids.

The matter is listed for a filing hearing at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 22 October 2025.

ACB Group is next scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for a committal mention on 6 February 2026.

WorkSafe’s investigation into a chemical explosion and fire at the same factory in July 2024 remains ongoing.