Ever wondered what happens when you ignore WorkSafe notices?

A Moorabbin furniture manufacturer who failed to address WorkSafe notices to fix serious safety breaches has been convicted and fined more than $22,000.

The company pleaded guilty to two charges under the 2004 OHS Act for failing to ensure its workplace was safe and without risks to health.
 

The company was fined $22,500 and ordered to pay $4027 in costs.
 

The Moorabbin Magistrates Court was told that WorkSafe inspectors visited the business several times between April 2015 and July 2016 and issued numerous improvement notices.
 

The first charge related to breaches that included failing to fit a non-conductive, non-flammable cover to an electrical switchboard exposing workers to risk of electrical shock; failing to correctly store flammable liquids; allowing employees to smoke in close proximity to dangerous goods; and failing to guard a high-speed rotating fan and situating it in a doorway.
 

The second charge related to failing to undertake regular housekeeping tasks, thereby exposing workers to the risk of slips, trips and falls, or coming into contact with hazardous objects.
 

WorkSafe’s Executive Director of Health and Safety, Marnie Williams, said employers who ignored improvement notices may face prosecution.
 

For more information on WorkSafe inspections go to: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/safety/inspections

If youre unsure of your obligations, contact ISOsafe on 1300 789 132 or email us at enquiries@isosafe.com.au.