Dangerous Vic Bosses Face Slammer

Bosses in Victoria face five years behind bars if they endanger employees under new safety laws that come into effect next week.

Companies who put their workers' lives at risk will face fines of almost $1 million.

The new offence of knowingly exposing a person to risk of serious injury or death, which carries a maximum five-year sentence for a first offence.

The laws include:

• an overhaul of OHS authority Worksafe and a new appeals process against inspectors' decisions;

• expanded sentencing options such as safety improvement programs and publicity orders; and

• new powers for union representatives to enter sites suspected of workplace safety breaches.

The laws go further than NSW's legislation, which introduced gaol terms for recklessly causing death last week.

Bosses in NSW who are convicted can be gaoled for up to five years or fined $165,000.

Companies in NSW found guilty can be fined up to $1,650,000.

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Victoria's Trades Hall has revamped its website.

Information Officer Renata Musolino says the site has a new look and new sections on 'Your Industry' and 'Training'.

Users will still be able to send questions on any OHS related matter - just 'Ask Renata' - and get a response usually by the end of the next working day.

As well as subscribing to SafetyNet, users will also be able to subscribe to two other mailing lists: Training News and Media Releases.

The OHSReps @ Work website can be accessed at http://www.ohsrep.org.au

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