News

WA Jail Sentence under Workplace Safety Laws

Incident

The Sole Director of a small Esperance company has been jailed for 8 months and the company fined $605 000 for gross negligence after death of young worker. Two workers fell whilst working at heights, resulting in one fatality and one serious injury.

The Prosecutor argued that in “failure to implement safety systems and supervise for a long period of time”, “there was a knowing acceptance of the danger”.

Critical Factors

What contributed to the incident:

  • Training and Competence – High Risk Work Licences & other training specific for work being performed.
  • Supervision – workers working in a remote area.
  • Hazard Controls – no fall protection used.

Prevention

Procedures to prevent:

  • Safe Work Method Statements
  • Supervision
  • Training and Competence
  • Risk Assessments

More Information

For more information or assistance in developing and implementing Safe Systems of Work please please contact Carmen Solorzano:
admin@sheqmanagement.com.au

Reference

https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/announcements/first-imprisonment-under-was-workplace-safety-and-health-laws