A fire at a residential construction site in Armadale in November 2025 left two workers with significant burns. The fire started as a gas torch was used to dry brickwork ahead of the application of an adhesive coating that WorkSafe described as “highly flammable”.
WorkSafe Victoria announced on 19 October 2026 that it had charged Super Coat Waterproofing Pty Ltd over the incident. The company has been charged with two offences under section 26(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. That section places a duty on those who manage or control a workplace to keep it safe and free of risks to health.
WorkSafe alleges the company did not inform workers that the adhesive was a class 3 dangerous good that “presented a severe fire hazard”. It also alleges the company did not direct workers to keep the task away from open flames, and did not train them in how to carry it out safely.
WorkSafe further alleges the company did not put appropriate risk controls in place. According to the regulator, the company did not make sure the work area had good ventilation and did not provide a system of work that kept the task away from open flames.
The allegations have not been tested in court. A filing hearing is scheduled for 21 October 2026 in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
At a glance
- Parties: WorkSafe Victoria v Super Coat Waterproofing Pty Ltd
- Section: Occupational Health and Safety Act, s.26(1)
- Charges: Two
- Incident: November 2025, residential construction site, Armadale
- Next step: Filing hearing, Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, 21 October 2026
Source: WorkSafe Victoria, 19 October 2026
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