Company Fined After Teenage Apprentice Catches Fire While Welding

What went down

A metal fabrication biz, CND Contractors Pty Ltd, copped a $30,000 fine—no conviction—plus $4,365 in court costs, after pleading guilty in the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court to failing to provide a safe system of work and proper supervision. That’s after a 17‑year‑old apprentice suffered horrific burns in a welding accident at their Kyabram site.

The incident

Back in October 2023, this first‑year apprentice was welding a metal footing cage when his hoodie caught alight—sparks ignited the fabric. He ran outside trying to roll out the fire but couldn’t stop it. He dashed back inside crying for help, and co‑workers used a hose to douse the flames. The teenager was then airlifted to Melbourne and spent a month in hospital. He had several skin grafts—on his stomach, chest, upper arms, neck, back, buttocks and hips—and still carries both emotional and physical scars, plus ongoing mobility issues and tightness in his chest

Why this was avoidable

At the time, the apprentice was wearing a welding helmet, long sleeve shirt and a branded hoodie from the company, plus his own leather gauntlets. But the hoodie was a cotton‑poly blend—totally not fire resistant. CND didn’t have a set clothing policy, or supply proper PPE like leather aprons, fire‑resistant clothing or boiler suits. They also failed to supervise properly. And get this—just a month earlier, the same apprentice’s hoodie had already been scorched in another welding task.

WorkSafe’s Sam Jenkin was blunt: the company knew the risks, had a warning, and still did nothing. That’s unacceptable—especially for a young apprentice who’s depending on you.

Safety takeaways (do this, not that)

WorkSafe laid down some solid recommendations for welding safety:

• Make sure operators have proper training or certification
• Keep the welding area and gear dry
• Provide supervision from a certified welding supervisor
• Clear the area of flammable stuff before welding
• Use correct PPE: auto‑darkening helmets, long cuff gloves, fire‑resistant clothing, rubber‑soled boots, plus respiratory protection if needed
• Keep ventilation and fume extraction in place
• Regularly inspect and maintain gear
• Have fire safety gear on hand: alarms, extinguishers, hoses, blankets
• Train workers on emergency procedures

TL;DR

• Company fined $30k (no conviction), plus ~$4.4k costs, after a 17‑year‑old apprentice caught fire while welding (13 Aug 2025)
• The apprentice suffered severe burns, hospitalised for a month, now dealing with lasting emotional and physical consequences
• The company ignored earlier warning signs and failed to enforce proper PPE or supervision
• WorkSafe laid out clear actions employers should follow for welding safety