WorkSafe VIC releases prosecution data for 2022

WorkSafe VIC Releases Prosecution Data for 2022

WorkSafe Victoria reminds employers to prioritise safety in the workplace after 123 companies and directors faced fines for violating workplace safety laws in 2022. WorkSafe's prosecution focused efforts highlight ongoing gaps in safety management across several industries.

Figures released by the safety watchdog show 14 companies received six figure fines for violations of the OHS Act during 2022. These prosecutions demonstrate that regulators continue tightening enforcement of health and safety obligations statewide.

Total Penalties and Breakdown

Victorian employers were fined a combined $5,588,750 for workplace safety breaches during the same period. This figure underscores how seriously courts treat non-compliance with OHS management requirements.

According to the data, breaches broke down as follows:

• 35 companies fined for working at height safety breaches
• 23 companies penalised over machine guarding issues
• 18 businesses failing to provide safe machinery
• 11 forklift-related safety incidents resulting in prosecution

These numbers reveal persistent risk areas within construction, manufacturing, and heavy industry sectors. Working at height remains the single largest category, followed closely by machinery-related safety incidents, which together highlight where safety management systems most often fail.

Why This Matters for Safety Management

Robust OHS management practices help businesses avoid costly prosecutions and, more importantly, prevent harm to workers. Employers who invest in proper equipment maintenance, height safety protocols, and machine guarding compliance reduce their exposure to both incidents and regulatory action.

For guidance on maintaining compliant equipment, businesses can review our SOP for Equipment Maintenance resources, which support consistent safety management practices across industry.

Victorian employers operating vehicle fleets should also consider reviewing documentation such as the OHS Driver's Manual (Vic) to strengthen their broader health and safety management framework.

Related WorkSafe News

This release follows several other notable pieces of WorkSafe news throughout the year. In related news, a shipping container crush incident spurred a Victorian WorkSafe prosecution, further illustrating the risks present in materials handling and warehousing operations.

Other jurisdictions have released similar findings. Recent news from Western Australia showed that WorkSafe WA released new data on workplace deaths, reinforcing that safety management remains a national priority across every industry.

Businesses seeking recognition for strong safety management practices should also stay informed on award opportunities. Previous news noted that time was running out for Vic businesses to nominate for the 2022 WorkSafe Awards, an initiative that celebrates organisations demonstrating excellence in workplace safety.

Strengthening Your OHS Management Framework

Given the scale of fines issued in 2022, employers across every industry should reassess their current safety management systems. WorkSafe publishes summaries of prosecution outcomes to help businesses learn from past incidents and avoid similar breaches.

Key steps businesses can take include:

• Reviewing chemical handling procedures through resources such as SOPs for Chemical Handling & Storage
• Implementing clear fitness for work policies, including our Fitness for Work Policies & Procedures
• Auditing height safety and machine guarding controls regularly
• Ensuring OHS documentation remains current and accessible to all workers

Ultimately, sound safety management protects both people and businesses. Employers who prioritise health and safety compliance not only reduce their risk of fines but also build a stronger safety culture across their organisation.

Read more here.