Manildra Group Faces Dozens of Safety Breach Notices After Silo Collapse Incident

Introduction
Four months after two large grain silos collapsed at its Bomaderry plant, Manildra Group’s Shoalhaven Starches facility has been slapped with more than 40 improvement notices by SafeWork NSW. The breaches identified during inspections between February and March highlight systemic failures in workplace health and safety (WHS), including putting unqualified workers at risk of electrocution and exposing employees to hazardous chemicals. This incident underscores broader concerns about safety compliance at one of Australia’s largest agribusiness operations.

Details of the Incident
In October 2024, two 30-meter-tall grain silos collapsed at the Shoalhaven Starches plant, sparking an investigation by SafeWork NSW. Subsequent inspections revealed numerous WHS violations, prompting the issuance of multiple improvement notices aimed at addressing critical deficiencies. Among the breaches:

An unqualified worker was directed to isolate power during a silo fire, risking electrocution due to inadequate training and supervision.
Workers failed to implement emergency plans effectively and could not recall the last time an emergency drill was conducted.
Over 600 overdue electrical maintenance work orders dating back to 2019 highlighted resource shortages and neglect in upkeep.
SafeWork NSW emphasized that Manildra lacked systems to identify and manage risks associated with structural collapses, leaving workers vulnerable to falling objects.

Regulatory Actions and Findings
Following the silo collapse, SafeWork intensified monitoring of the Bomaderry site, conducting 24 visits between April 2024 and February 2025. These inspections exposed alarming lapses in safety protocols, including:

Inadequate information, training, and instruction for workers during emergencies.
Failure to categorize the priority of outstanding repair work orders or establish target completion timelines.
Risks posed by exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as caustic substances leaking into concrete pathways and nearby waterways.
The regulator ordered Manildra to develop robust inspection and maintenance regimes for structural assets and prioritize overdue repairs. Although Manildra claims compliance with some directives, union representatives remain skeptical about the adequacy of these measures.

Electrical Trades Union south coast organizer Stewart Edward criticized the company’s handling of safety issues, calling it “unbelievable” that management would direct unqualified personnel into high-risk situations. He expressed concern over the backlog of repairs, stating, “It’s not tolerable to have a backlog of 600 repairs dating back to 2019.”

Environmental and Community Impact
Beyond workplace safety, environmental hazards were also uncovered. In September 2024, an unknown quantity of caustic substances spilled onto Abernethy’s Creek banks, which flow into the Shoalhaven River. Investigations by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) identified a crack in a tank bund floor as the cause. While monitoring showed no adverse effects on water quality, Manildra received an official caution and was instructed to remove contaminated soil.

To address community concerns, the company now publishes regular updates via newsletters and its website, aiming to restore trust among workers and residents. However, critics argue this response falls short of meaningful action required to prevent future incidents.

Broader Implications for Workplace Safety
This case highlights persistent challenges in maintaining safety standards at large-scale industrial facilities. Between 2020 and 2024, documents obtained by the ABC revealed 55 dangerous incidents and 31 serious injuries at the Shoalhaven Starches plant. Despite repeated warnings, Manildra reportedly failed to implement adequate safeguards until mandated by regulators.

Experts stress the importance of proactive risk management, regular maintenance schedules, and sufficient staffing levels to ensure compliance with WHS regulations. As industries grow increasingly complex, companies must prioritize worker protection to avoid catastrophic consequences.