WorkSafe Victoria investigates 24 companies over potential COVID-19 breaches

Bunnings and Warner Bros are among two dozen companies being investigated for potentially breaching COVID-19 workplace safety measures.

Bunnings is one of 24 companies being investigated by Victoria’s workplace safety watchdog over possible COVID-19 safety breaches.

WorkSafe Victoria chief Colin Radford revealed the workplaces under investigation in a written response to the parliamentary Public Accounts and Estimates Committee.

Bunnings Group Limited and Bertocchi Smallgoods were listed, while motion picture giant Warner Bros was also being investigated.

St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne was among the list, along with aged-care facilities such as Epping Gardens, St Basil’s in Fawkner and Baptcare Wyndam Lodge Community.

NCA NewsWire is not suggesting any of the companies have breached their duty of care, only that they are being investigated by WorkSafe Victoria.

An investigation into Cedar Meats has concluded with no charges or prosecution recommended. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

An investigation into Melbourne abattoir Cedar Meats – at the centre of an outbreak of 111 infections – has concluded with no charges or prosecution recommended.

Another investigation is under way into another abattoir at the heart of a major cluster, Australian Lamb Colac.

An investigation into Victoria’s initial hotel quarantine program remains active.

Colin Radford’s written submission to a parliamentary Public Accounts and Estimates Committee’s probe into the state government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The parliamentary Public Accounts and Estimates Committee is probing the state government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and hosted a series of hearings last year.

Mr Radford was pressed at one of the hearings, with Victorian opposition industry spokeswoman Bridget Vallence questioning whether the 24 investigations concerned the workplace safety of healthcare workers and private security guards.

To which Mr Radford replied, “Yes, they do in so far as each of the investigations is looking at whether there has been a breach of a duty holder’s duty of care under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.”

Ms Vallence then asked if the investigations related to whether there was adequate training in workplace safety requirements and the provision of appropriate personal protective equipment. Mr Radford said they did relate.