ACTing On Industrial Manslaughter

Individuals face gaol terms of 20 years and bodies fines of up to $5 million when the Australian Capital Territory’s landmark Industrial manslaughter legislation takes effect from Monday March 1.

The ACT's Crimes (Industrial Manslaughter) Act 2003 provides for fines of up to $1 million for employers that cause a worker's death through recklessness or negligence.

The act also provides penalties in the form of fines can be combined with orders to perform community service projects to a total fine worth up to $5m.

Individuals face fines of up to $200,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 20 years.

ACT industrial relations Minister Katy Gallagher has gone on the record to state that the introduction of the legislation has already improved compliance with existing OH&S laws by territory employers.

OH&S Newsletter OHS Alert has published legal advice pointing out that the new laws are not limited to ACT employers.

"Interstate employers of workers who die in the ACT (depending on the circumstances of the employment) are also among those affected," said the newsletter.

The new laws have been welcomed by construction union, the CFMEU, who are campaigning for the introduction of similar laws in other states.

To discuss this and many other interesting OH & S topics visit our discussion boards at http://unionsafe.labor.net.au/shoptalk/

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Last modified: Tuesday, 15-Nov-2005 20:37:35 EST