White Collar & Corporate
12. WHS Offences
Authors: Staff Legal Eagle
Firm / Chambers:
Last updated: 16 Sep 2015
- There is a range of laws in place at local, state or territory and federal level that deal with work health and safety offences. These are also known as occupational health & safety or OH&S offences.
- These laws apply to companies to ensure that businesses are run in a safe way for all the employees and that they comply with occupational health and safety laws. Both individuals and companies can be prosecuted for occupational health and safety offences.
- These laws are in place to deal with issues such as:
- workplace accidents;
- improper use of equipment;
- inadequate fire protection; or
- unsafe working conditions.
- The penalties range from fines through to imprisonment depending on the seriousness of the conduct.
- There are laws that affect different situations such as:
- risk management plans;
- regulatory investigations;
- dealing with a prosecution; or
- coronial inquests.
- There are a number of laws that businesses must comply with to make sure they do not commit an occupational health and safety offence. These laws differ between locations and between industries.
- For more information see our Work, Health & Safety topic.
- A lawyer may be able to assist you with advice about the different laws and how they apply in your situation. Our free Find a Lawyer directory can help you to get in touch with an experienced corporate crime lawyer.
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