A Victorian metal finisher has been charged after a fatal crush.

WorkSafe has charged a metal galvanising business for failing to protect workers from the risks of working under suspended loads at a Dandenong South factory.

GB Galvanizing Service Pty Ltd faces two charges under section 21(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to provide and maintain a working environment that was safe and without risks to health.

It is alleged the company breached regulation 115(3)(b) of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations by failing to ensure that no loads being lifted were suspended over, or travelled over, a person.

WorkSafe also alleges GB Galvanizing breached section 21(2)(a) of the OHS Act by failing to provide or maintain a safe system of work to eliminate or reduce the risk of serious injury or death from falling loads.

In March 2022, a 53-year old worker was killed when lifting equipment he was operating became detached and steel beams weighing several tonnes fell onto him.

The matter is listed for a filing hearing at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 28 March 2024.