Massive fines as Victorian government passes amendment to WorkSafe laws

25 September 2017

Last week, the Victorian Parliament passed the WorkSafe Legislation Amendment Bill 2017, giving WorkSafe more time and more powers to prosecute breaches of the OHS Act. With fines up to $38,000 for individuals and $190,000 for body corporate duty holders, the Labor Government hopes the changes will "improve workplace safety by strengthening compliance and enforcement tools," with the increase penalties to "act as a sufficient deterrent" for duty holders.

Apart from the penalties, the amendments also provide entitlements of up to $5000 for travel and accomodation for family members visiting an injured worker in hospital, or attending a funeral service. A great write up in Human Resources Director Magazine explains the changes in more detail.