News | 29 May

In a high-risk industry such as civil construction, safety is non-negotiable and must always be our number priority as well as a corporate value.

The sentencing of a Victorian construction business – whose $1.3 million fine for causing a workplace death was more than doubled to $3 million on appeal – is a timely reminder of the potential consequences of serious incidents occurring on worksites.

The primary consideration for contractors should be that this $3 million penalty was still awarded despite mitigating circumstances, such as:

  • Being a first-time offender;
  • A sole-director/employee company, and;
  • A lack of aggravating features – such as systemic non-compliance or disregard for safety.

The result of this is that any workplace manslaughter penalty awarded under s39G is most likely to be in excess of $3 million in future.

So, what does this mean for your business? 

Register now for our next webinar, Workplace manslaughter sentencing – a warning for civil contractors, to discover what you as an employer or business owner need to know and do.

Attendees will gain:

  • Practical knowledge of the relevant legislation;
  • Insights into the recent sentencing case and impacts on your business if this happened to you;
  • Actions you can take to reduce or eliminate the risk of a similar incident occurring in your business.

Register at: https://events.humanitix.com/webinar-workplace-manslaughter-sentencing

Send through any questions you have in advance to marketing@ccfvic.com.au.

You can also click here to read our full assessment of the ruling, tailored to support civil contractors and employers.

To find out more or to discuss OHS matters with CCF Victoria’s Safety Advisor, contact membership@ccfvic.com.au or call (03) 9588 7600.

Latest News