Victorian employers fined $16.2 million for safety breaches in 2023

What do you think was the leading cause of WHS offences in 2023?   

WorkSafe Victoria successfully prosecuted 152 employers last year for breaching the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Dangerous Goods Act. This included: 

  • 3 penalties over $10,000,000 

  • 25 penalties over $100,000 

Tragically, 17 cases related to a workplace fatality.  

What were the Leading Offences? 

Most common offences involved the risk of a fall from height. It is also one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities. 

Here were the top four causes of safety breaches: 

  1. Risk of a fall from height (39) 

  2. Unsafe machinery, including inadequate guarding (25) 

  3. Risk of being crushed by or between objects (15) 

  4. Involving powered mobile plant, such as forklifts (13) 

Which Industries had the most Breaches?  

  1. Construction (52) 

  2. Manufacturing (38) 

  3. Transport, postal and warehousing (11) 

  4. Wholesale trade (10) 

Psychosocial Safety  

Workplace bullying and sexual harassment are key compliance priorities. Many duty holders were prosecuted for related offences.  

"Employers must have systems and processes in place to identify, assess and respond to hazards and associated risks to both the physical and mental health of their workers...This includes ensuring there is adequate training and supervision and that workers are encouraged to speak up or ask questions when they have concerns for their safety." 

– WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety, Dr Narelle Beer (source: WorkSafe Victoria) 

Major WorkSafe Prosecution Outcomes in 2023 

  • Bradbury Industrial Services: convicted and fined $2.9 million for a warehouse explosion and chemical stockpiles at other sites 

  • Manufacturer Dennis Jones Engineering: convicted and fined $2.1 million after an apprentice suffered severe head-injuries  

  • Energy Australia Yallourn: convicted and fined $1.5 million after a worker died in an arc flash (electrical explosion) incident 

  • Underwater Inspection Services: convicted and fined $730,000 for repeatedly putting its divers at risk 

  • Supagas: fined $550,000 after a worker became permanently disabled following a ute explosion 

Source: WorkSafe Victoria 

Reduce Risk, Increase Revenue 

Businesses that are serious about safety are far more likely to earn public trust and attract and retain high-performing staff.  

The government recommends conducting a thorough, independent safety assessment. Aside from avoiding hefty fines, you demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding your workplace and protecting your workers.  

 
 

Certex’s iSafe Risk Management Program can help ensure employers are compliant with their legal obligations under the WHS Act.    

Find out more below.  

Alicja Gibert