Charges after death from falling metal bucket

The 36-year-old man died when he was struck by a metal bucket, which dislodged from an electrical chain hoist and fell approximately 15 metres.

Vertech Hume Pty Ltd faces two charges under section 21(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to provide or maintain, so far as was reasonably practicable, a working environment that was safe and without risks to health.

WorkSafe alleges the company twice breached section 21(2)(a) of the OHS Act by failing to provide or maintain safe plant and safe systems of work to prevent the bucket from dislodging while the hoist was in use.

The matter is listed for a filing hearing at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 16 December 2025.