NSW considering imposing penalties for employers held accountable for worker fatalities

The NSW Government has announced it is currently exploring the possibility of imposing fines amounting to $18 million and extended prison terms for employers who are found accountable for industrial manslaughter.

In a previous announcement, the Government expressed its intention to establish an industrial manslaughter offence.

These stringent measures are outlined in a consultation paper, as the Government seeks input on the most effective means of implementing the new legislation and determining the specific elements of the offence.

By enacting industrial manslaughter legislation, businesses or individuals can be held accountable for causing the death of an individual through negligent or reckless conduct within the workplace.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said, “Any workplace death is a tragedy and in cases where a person with a duty of care has been careless or irresponsible, they must be held accountable.”

More information is available here.