Follow us:
Subscribe to our newsletter

logo

  • News
  • Projects
  • Business and Finance
  • Innovation
  • Products and Services
  • Events
  • Online Magazine
  • Advertise
  • Contact
Home
  • News
  • Projects
  • Business and Finance
  • Innovation
  • Products and Services
  • Events
  • Online Magazine
  • Advertise
  • Contact
Quotes by TradingView

New industrial manslaughter laws introduced in Victoria

04 Nov, 2019
376



The Victorian Government has recently introduced tough new workplace manslaughter laws which, if passed as drafted, will mean that employers, including organisations and senior officers, will be held responsible for workplace deaths.

As many as 30 people are killed in workplaces across the state each year and 19 people have already lost their lives so far in 2019.

Workplace deaths including suicide caused by mental injuries caused in the workplace, as well as accidents caused by dangerous worksites will be covered under the proposed laws.

If passed as drafted, a negligent employer will face jail time of up to 20 years and fines of up to $16.5 million.

The offence will fall under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) and will apply to employers, self-employed people and ‘officers’ of the employers.

WorkSafe Victoria will investigate new offences using their powers under the OHS Act to ensure perpetrators can be prosecuted.

Earlier this year, the government announced a Workplace Manslaughter Implementation Taskforce to help develop the proposed laws.

Led by Parliamentary Secretary for Workplace Safety Natalie Hutchins, the Taskforce included members and representatives from business, unions and industry.

The Taskforce was also supported by a Families’ Reference Group, which was made up of a number of families who have been impacted by a workplace death.

Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, said it couldn’t be more simple: no one should die at work.

“These laws will help make sure that every Victorian makes it home to their loved ones,” he said.

“Families who have lost a loved one at work deserve justice – and that means jail, not a slap on the wrist.”

If passed, Victoria will join the Australian Capital Territory and Queensland in having industrial manslaughter offences.

The Northern Territory has also recently sought submissions on the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Amendment Bill 2019 (NT), which if passed would impose a maximum penalty of life imprisonment for individuals or just over $10 million for corporations.

Related Articles

Workplace safety

Workplace safety in WA’s offshore oil and gas industry in the spotlight

Renewable and decarbonised gas critical to Victoria’s energy future

Renewable and decarbonised gas critical to Victoria’s energy future

Earth Resources issues notices to Gippsland licence holder

Earth Resources issues notices to Gippsland licence holder

Awards recognise environment and safety excellence in industry

Awards recognise environment and safety excellence in industry

Comments

Leave a comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

all news all projects

Latest Posts

  • Latest News
  • Latest Projects
16 Jun

Microfossils provide clues about Australia’s petroleum potential

15 Jun

AEMO makes unprecedented decision to suspend energy market

15 Jun

Wage rises to be felt, but lack of skilled workers a bigger issue

15 Jun

Sanctions weaken oil and gas construction pipeline in Eastern Europe

15 Jun

WA-designed offshore inspection system pushes frontier of robotics

17 Jun

Esso Australia starts technical tender for Bass Strait decommissioning

17 Jun

Study to check feasibility of turning Torrens Island into a hydrogen hub

17 Jun

AXP energy boosts production with low-cost well re-completion in the US

15 Jun

bp to lead and operate WA renewables and green hydrogen energy hub

15 Jun

Partners to develop offshore renewable green hydrogen production

Online Magazine

    Current Cover
  • Login
  • Subscribe

Subscribe

Subscribe to our newsletter or print magazine

Our Titles

  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy
© Sage Media Group 2022 All Rights Reserved.
×
Authorization
  • Registration
 This feature has been disabled
 This feature has been disabled until further notice, however you may still register
×
Registration
  • Autorization
Register
* All fields required