On-hire company fined $415,000 after worker’s death
On 11 February 2025, WorkSafe Victoria published details of a case that highlights the serious responsibilities on-hire providers have for worker health and safety—both physical and psychological—when placing workers at host workplaces.
AH Vision Pty Ltd was fined $415,000 after an on-hire worker lost their life on their second shift at a host workplace.
As WorkSafe Executive Director Sam Jenkin stated:
“Labour hire (on-hire) companies can’t just send workers off to a worksite and hope for the best, leaving them to work in unfamiliar environments without providing appropriate safety training and information.”
Read a summary of the case here.
What This Means for On-Hire Providers
This case is a reminder that on-hire providers must remain actively involved in managing health and safety risks—not just at placement but throughout a worker’s assignment. Key responsibilities include:
Assessing host workplaces – Ensuring it is a safe place to send on-hire workers before placement.
Clearly defining the scope of each placement – Confirming the exact nature of the work, expected tasks, and associated risks with both the worker and host.
Providing proper induction & training – Ensuring workers receive clear, site-specific WHS training, including psychosocial risks.
Confirming worker capability – Verifying that workers have the right skills, qualifications, and PPE to do their job safely.
Keeping communication open – Establishing clear channels for workers to raise health and safety concerns and ensuring they feel supported.
Monitoring throughout the placement – Regular check-ins with workers and hosts to ensure conditions remain safe and risks are being managed.
Taking action when needed – If risks aren’t managed properly, working with the host to address them—or removing workers where necessary.
Take Action: Improve Your WHS Compliance
Each health and safety regulator provides guidance on on-hire WHS responsibilities to help providers meet their obligations. To support on-hire businesses, Risk Collective has developed the Ultimate Guide for WHS in On-Hire—a comprehensive resource outlining key considerations for managing health and safety risks when placing workers with host organisations.
📥 Download now our free Ultimate Guide for WHS in On-Hire and use it as a practical reference alongside official health and safety regulator guidance.
Disclaimer: This guide is for reference only. On-hire firms should refer to official health and safety regulator guidance to understand their legal obligations.
🔍 See where your business stands on compliance. Engage Risk Collective to conduct an On-Hire WHS Compliance Snapshot—a tailored assessment to identify gaps, improve processes, and help meet regulatory requirements.