There have been several factors over the last couple of years that have reinforced these dynamics.
There have been a number of significant fires associated with the operation of waste facilities, including landfill and waste treatment sites.
Congratulations to the Shire of Kellerberrin on receiving the Tier 2 Diligence in Safety Award. CEO James Sheridan visited the Shire earlier this month to meet the team and present the award. The award recognises strong results through LGIS’s ‘3 Steps to Safety’ program.
From marquees, stages and sound systems to temporary fencing, generators, catering equipment and vehicles, third-party asset hire is a practical way to meet short-term needs without owning everything year-round.
The Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 (WA) introduced a significant change to the assessment of psychological injury claims in Western Australia. While the Act retains a broad definition of injury, section seven contains a new exclusion for psychological and psychiatric disorders arising from ‘reasonable administrative action’ taken by an employer.
A recent fire incident was at a lithium-ion energy battery facility, located at Maddington, WA. The facility functioned primarily as a collection, sorting, and staging hub for various battery types, including lithium-ion, lithium-metal, and lead-acid batteries. The fire broke out on Sunday, 12 April, 2026, around 1:45 PM.
The fire rapidly engulfed the warehouse. Over 50 firefighters attempted an internal attack but were forced to retreat to a defensive exterior strategy due to the intensity of the chemical fire. The loss was estimated at $7 million in inventory alone, in addition to the structural destruction of the building.
At a Scheme level, waste-related losses have driven some of the largest claims across the mutual, spanning property, liability, workers’ compensation and motor funds.
LGIS has rolled out a waste-focused risk assessment program aligned to the Waste facility risk management guide. To date, over 54 sites have been assessed, resulting in over 800 recommendations to improve site risk.
The cause of fires at waste sites can vary, but some patterns are common. Lithium-ion batteries are a key risk and can ignite if they’re crushed, punctured or overheated during handling. Oversized or tightly packed stockpiles can also trap heat and create hot spots- making fires more likely to escalate and harder to control once they start. In some cases, arson is a contributing factor – particularly where stockpiles are close to boundaries or public access points. Plant and equipment can be an ignition source through hot exhausts, friction, electrical faults, or fuel/oil leaks.
What can members do?
Below is a summary of key considerations and we recommend members review their current arrangements against the guide. Batteries should be identified early in the waste stream, segregated by type, and stored in appropriate containers to manage the risk.
Fire risk from stockpiles (tyres, Intermediate Bulk Containers, other combustibles)
Traffic and plant (public and heavy vehicles)
Hazardous waste and batteries
Security (theft, vandalism, arson)
Public drop-off zones
Asbestos (where accepted)
Bushfire readiness (where relevant)
Hot works (welding, grinding, cutting)
If your organisation is reviewing waste handling, storage or disposal arrangements at landfill and transfer stations, LGIS can support members with guidance to inform planning and implementation – so controls are practical, fit-for-purpose, and reinforced through clear site processes, contractor requirements, and staff communication.
Check out the ‘Waste facility risk guide’, available online or contact the Risk Services team on 08 9483 8888 for more information.
This year marks the significant milestone of the 30th anniversary of LGIS. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable journey we have undertaken together over the past three decades. Since our founding in 1995, LGIS has evolved from a practical response to emerging risks into a pioneering mutual scheme that proudly serves the diverse needs of Western Australia’s local governments.
Psychological injury doesn’t typically begin with a single moment; it builds when the day-to-day job keeps asking more than people can sustainably give. Local government managers will recognise the pressure their teams deal with, constant community visibility, competing priorities, and the expectation to stay responsive across hybrid teams.
Waste management operations are under sustained pressure, with members balancing service expectations and environmental outcomes against tightening budgets and regulatory environment.
