Recycling centre charged after worker killed in collision

WorkSafe has charged a recycling facility in Broadmeadows after a worker was struck by machinery and died in July 2024.

The 26-year-old worker was sorting recycled goods at the facility when an articulated front-end loader being operated by a colleague reversed into him, causing fatal crush injuries.

ECO1 Recycling Centre Pty Ltd faces six charges under section 21(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to provide and maintain, so far as reasonably practicable, a working environment that was safe and without risks to health.

WorkSafe alleges the company breached section 21(2)(a) of the OHS Act three times by failing to implement an appropriate traffic management system; failing to install a reversing camera on the plant; and failing to repair the plant’s reversing alarm, rear view mirror, or two cabin windows that obscured the operator’s view.

It is also alleged the company thrice breached section 21(2)(e) of the OHS Act by failing to ensure the plant operator and the worker were adequately supervised, and failing to ensure the worker received appropriate information, instruction or training on the risks of working near powered mobile plant.

The matter is listed for a filing hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 10 June 2026.