Reminder: OHS Compliance is Not Optional — It’s Critical

A recent court case has highlighted the serious consequences of failing to follow Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures.

In early 2025, National Infrastructure Solutions Pty Ltd was fined $500,000 for engaging in reckless conduct that exposed workers to a potentially fatal gas leak in Bentleigh East, Victoria. The manager instructed workers to continue digging and even attempt repairs, despite the strong smell of gas, a visible leak, and the workers’ distress.

The result? One worker lost consciousness from gas inhalation, suffered serious physical and psychological injuries, and required hospitalisation. The company ignored clear safety procedures, failed to notify the gas company, and breached multiple legal duties of care.

What this means for your business

As employers, you are legally responsible for providing a safe work environment under Victoria’s OHS Act 2004. That includes:

• Following documented procedures in the event of an incident
• Empowering workers to stop unsafe work
• Ensuring that managers are trained to respond appropriately under pressure
• Reporting incidents to the relevant authorities where required

Our Advice

Now is the time to:

• Review your OHS policies and procedures
• Ensure your managers and staff are trained and know how to act in an emergency
• Encourage a safety-first culture where risks are reported, not ignored
• Conduct an OHS compliance audit to identify and correct any gaps

How Performance Advantage Can Help

We support businesses to:

• Develop and update OHS policies and Safe Work Procedures
• Train staff and managers in incident response and compliance
• Conduct HR-led risk assessments to meet WorkSafe obligations
• Create practical action plans to reduce legal and safety risks

If it’s been a while since you reviewed your safety protocols, now is the time.

Let’s work together to keep your people safe and your business compliant. Contact us NOW on 0408 897 079 or at suzanne@performanceadvantage.com.au to figure out whether your business could be the next one WorkSafe uses to make an example to others.