WorkSafe: Value of fines and complaints over safety in agriculture sector drop
Victorian agriculture, forestry and fishing workplaces have been fined about $750,000 in three years for health and safety breaches. See the breakdown.
The total value of fines handed down to Victorian agriculture, forestry and fishing workplaces for health and safety breaches has plummeted in recent years.
And calls to WorkSafe’s advisory line have also seen a steady decline, new data obtained by The Weekly Times shows.
In 2018, five successful prosecutions by WorkSafe resulted in a total of $421,200 in fines. In 2019, the same number of prosecutions totalled $257,000 in fines, and again last year there were five prosecutions that resulted in $55,000 of fines. However, there were also donations ordered to be paid totalling $250,000.
So far this year, WorkSafe has commenced four prosecutions.
The biggest individual penalty during these years was to Grampians Free Range Poultry, convicted and fined $230,000 in 2018 following the death of a contractor.
WorkSafe said it was working with farmers to shift the “mindset that a tragic incident will never happen to you” and make safety the number one priority on all farms.
“We’re working to achieve this through awareness and education campaigns, free independent personalised farm safety advice, detailed guidance and public presentations and workshops,” a WorkSafe spokeswoman said.
“Where the safety of farmers, their workers and their families continues to be put at risk enforcement remains another tool to achieve change.”
The number of calls WorkSafe received that led to inspectors paying a visit to agriculture, forestry and fishing workplaces have also continued to decline in the three years to 2021.
2018: 2489 visits, with 166 as a result of calls to WorkSafe’s advisory line. 1575 compliance notices issued.
2019: 2339 visits, with 156 as a result of calls to WorkSafe’s advisory line. 1332 compliance notices issued.
2020: 1019 visits, with 154 as a result of calls to WorkSafe’s advisory line. 544 compliance notices issued.
2021: 649 visits to August 16, with 100 as a result of calls to WorkSafe’s advisory line. 357 compliance notices issued.
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