Monday 8th February 2021

Workplace Safety and Compliance News: Monday 8th February 2021

This edition of our weekly workplace safety news roundup covers two significant enforcement actions: a workers compensation fraud conviction in Victoria and a Fair Work Act breach penalty in Queensland. Both cases highlight why robust compliance systems matter for employers across construction, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors.

Workers Compensation Fraudster Caught While Working

A mechanic was convicted last week after an investigation found he had fraudulently obtained workers compensation payments. The worker received a 24-month community corrections order, with a condition requiring 225 hours of community work.

Investigators found the man had been receiving injury support payments from June 2017 until November 2019, all while performing undeclared work as a taxi driver and ride-share operator.

The investigation revealed he failed to inform doctors he had returned to work and submitted false documentation declaring no income earned during that period.

WorkSafe's Insurance Business Unit Executive Director Roger Arnold said, "The vast majority of injured workers want to do the right thing and return to work as soon as it is safe to, but there will always be a small minority who are tempted to cheat the system for their own benefit."

During sentencing, the court ordered Faisal to repay the full amount fraudulently claimed. More information can be found on the WorkSafe Vic website.

QLD Carpentry Business Fined $13,608

Operators of a contract carpentry business in Brisbane received $13,608 in penalties after breaching the Fair Work Act. Their failure involved not complying with a Compliance Notice requiring back-payment of leave entitlements owed to an apprentice carpenter.

Fair Work inspectors launched an investigation into the building company after receiving a request for assistance from the underpaid apprentice.

Federal Circuit Court imposed an $11,340 penalty against the building company, plus a $2,268 penalty against its sole director. The apprentice carpenter received full back-pay of $1,500 within six months of legal action commencing.

Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said business operators who fail to act on Compliance Notices face court-imposed penalties, in addition to having to back-pay underpaid staff.

"Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance," Parker said.

Employers and employees seeking assistance can visit Fair Work or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. Further information is available on the Fair Work website.

Stay Informed on Safety Compliance News

These cases serve as a reminder that fraud detection and entitlement compliance remain priorities for regulators nationwide. Staying across the latest developments helps safety professionals maintain strong governance practices within their organisations.

For more workplace safety updates, catch up on last week's report in our Monday 15th February 2021 news summary, or look ahead to Monday 22nd February 2021 and Monday 8th March 2021 for further coverage of enforcement actions and compliance news affecting Australian workplaces.