Melbourne Man Pursues Legal Action After Severe Burns in Workplace Accident

Introduction

Khaileb Ziday, a 27-year-old tradie from Melbourne’s northern suburbs, faces a grueling recovery after a workplace accident left him with severe burns. He is now taking legal action against his former employer, alleging negligence in safety protocols.

Details of the Incident

On September 15, 2023, while working at a Bendigo site for Solidity, a screw piling company, Ziday encountered a life-threatening mishap with an oxy acetylene torch—a device used to weld or cut metals through oxygen and gas combustion. The device malfunctioned as he attempted to replace an oxygen bottle, unleashing a fireball that inflicted second-degree burns on his lower stomach, right hand, forearm, and face.

Current Status and Legal Proceedings

Ziday was hospitalized and underwent extensive treatment, including special burn bandages and padding for several weeks, leaving him with permanent scarring. Despite returning to work briefly, he was terminated due to ongoing hearing problems exacerbated by the accident. Ziday’s legal team is investigating the potential negligence involved in his safety training and equipment maintenance at Solidity.

Company’s Response and Safety Measures

In the aftermath of the incident, Solidity cooperated with WorkSafe during its investigation and claimed to have resolved the matter satisfactorily. The company insists on its commitment to employee safety and the continuous refinement of its safety protocols. However, Ziday contends that the safety improvements came too late to prevent his injuries.

Implications for Workplace Safety

This incident highlights the critical need for rigorous safety measures and proper equipment maintenance in preventing workplace accidents. It also raises questions about the adequacy of emergency response strategies and the responsibilities of employers to safeguard their employees against potential hazards.