New WorkSafe Fines Proposed

Victorian businesses could face on-the-spot fines for working-at-height safety breaches under proposed changes to WorkSafe’s powers.

If the proposal eventuates into law, it would allow inspectors to fine businesses immediately for specified falls-from-height offences.

Working at height is already regulated in Victoria, with specific requirements applying where workers face a risk of falling more than two metres.

Employers must identify fall hazards, assess the risks and introduce appropriate controls, with measures ranging from working from the ground or a solid platform to scaffolding, elevated work platforms, restraint systems and fall arrest systems.

Businesses also have broader obligations to manage risks from falls of two metres or less.

What could change is how breaches are dealt with when WorkSafe inspectors find them.

What Might Change 

There are currently 59 workplace safety offences that can attract an infringement notice, covering areas including licensing, plant, asbestos and record keeping.

WorkSafe says infringement notices can currently carry fines of up to $2,091 for corporations and $418.20 for individuals, depending on the offence.

The proposed expansion would bring specified falls-from-height offences into the infringement system, potentially exposing businesses to an immediate financial penalty during enforcement action.

Construction would be particularly exposed to the change, with 26 workers killed and more than 10,600 injured in the industry over the past three years.

No commencement date or proposed fine amounts for the additional offences have been announced.