The Victorian Treasury and Finance Legislation Amendment Bill 2016, passed last week, increases the maximum penalty to more than $3 million (or 20,000 penalty units) if a company breaches s32 of the State OHS Act by recklessly endangering a person at a workplace. This is up from $1.365 million (or 9,000 penalty units). The Bill doesn't amend the maximum fine for an individual who breaches s32, which remains at $273,000 (or 1800 penalty units) and five years' jail.

This amendment comes at a poignant time for Victorian workplaces. Fifteen Victorians have died at work this year, compared to six for the same period last year. These bigger fines remind employers to take workplace health and safety seriously—many workplace deaths and injuries occur because of employer negligence.

From OHS management systems to risk assessments, we offer a range of services to help businesses make their workplace safer. Call the OHS team on 03 8662 5333.