Waterproofing company charged following fire

Super Coat Waterproofing Pty Ltd faces two charges under section 26(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to ensure a workplace under its management or control was safe and without risks to health.

The charges relate to an incident in November 2025 in which a fire broke out while a gas torch was being used to dry brickwork prior to the application of a highly flammable adhesive coating.

WorkSafe alleges Super Coat Waterproofing failed to provide workers with information that the adhesive was a class 3 dangerous good which presented a severe fire hazard; instruct workers not to perform the task near an open flame; and train workers in the steps required to complete the task safely.

It is further alleged the company failed to implement the appropriate risk controls by failing to ensure that the area was well ventilated and failing to provide a system of work that included not performing the task near an open flame.

The matter is listed for a filing hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 21 October 2026.