Tougher New Occupational Health and Safety Laws in Victoria

Tougher New Occupational Health and Safety Laws in Victoria

The proposed Workplace Safety Legislation Amendment (Workplace Manslaughter and other matters) Bill 2019 (the WSLA Bill) will make amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) to introduce a new criminal offence of workplace manslaughter that applies where an employers', officer of employers, or self-employed persons negligent conduct causes the death of an employee or member of the public.

This also includes:

• directors and secretaries of companies
• partners of a partnership or joint venture
• the trustee of a trust
• persons who participate in the making of decisions that affect a substantial part of the organisations business
• persons who have the capacity to significantly affect the organisation's financial standing.

The legislation is expected to come into effect 1st July 2020 at the latest and will make workplace manslaughter a jailable offence for up to 20 years for individuals and will include fines of up to $16.5 million for duty holders. 

To review the WSLA Bill visit the Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents website www.legislation.vic.gov.au