In the first prosecution of its kind under the new Victorian OHS legislation, four employees have been found guilty of breaching the employee duty of care provisions.
The prosecutions arose as a result of one man being hospitalised for two weeks, after paint thinners were sprayed onto him and he was set alight at his company’s Christmas party last year.
Each employee was placed on a good behaviour bond without conviction and ordered to take a one-day OHS course at Swinburne University. The employees were also ordered to pay WorkSafe’s costs of the prosecution.
This case serves as a reminder that both employers and employees are responsible for occupational health and safety in the workplace.
For further information, please contact Louise Houlihan on +61 3 9608 2273 or l.houlihan@cornwalls.com.au
or Jane Lawler on +61 3 9608 2109 or j.lawler@cornwalls.com.au
