Industrial Manslaughter – What’s New?

Every state but Tasmania recognises industrial manslaughter as a crime with varying but substantial financial penalties for businesses and prison time for individuals.

Recently, in South Australia, the Work Health and Safety (Industrial Manslaughter) Amendment Bill was introduced with increased penalties for the most serious health and safety breaches. These penalties also recognise the significant loss suffered by the families of workers who die in preventable workplace incidents.

Individuals can face a maximum penalty of up to 20 years behind bars, while companies can be fined by up to $18 million if they are found to be reckless or grossly negligent in conduct which breaches a work health and safety duty, according to the Bill.

It is imperative, especially for high-risk businesses to identify hazards to mitigate the risk of any preventable workplace injury or illness, especially if there is a risk of death.