New Workplace Health and Safety Regs.

New workplace health and safety on the spot fines - aimed at activists? FT have previously called in these guys and tried to prosecute forest defenders, but it has been dropped. It will be interesting to see if these fines are pulled out, as there has been renewed interest by FT in calling out workplace health and safety inspectors. Below is Steve Kon's media release.


Steven Kons, MHA Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
Sunday, 5 August 2007

On the Spot Fines to Improve Safety at Work

Workplace Standards Tasmania inspectors now have the power to issue on-the-spot fines for workplace safety breaches, the Minister for Justice, Steven Kons, announced today.
Mr Kons said the move would simplify existing enforcement processes and help send a clear message about unacceptable behaviour and unsafe practices.

“On-the-spot fines of up to $2500 will enable inspectors to immediately reinforce the message to workplaces that allow their safety standards to slip that there is no job more important than maintaining a safe work environment.

“Under the existing regime offenders must be charged and taken to court for breaches of the Workplace Health and Safety Act, and the gap between when the behaviour occurs and when a matter comes before the courts has the potential to dilute extremely important safety messages.

“The introduction of infringement notices will more quickly highlight unacceptable behaviour and encourage offenders to promptly change it."
Mr Kons said that the legislation required that any money paid as a fine from an infringement notice under the Workplace Health and Safety Act must be paid to the WorkCover Board of Tasmania.

“Fines have been set at 5% of the maximum penalty that a court may apply, ranging from $50 to $2500, and they will only apply to clear-cut offences at the lower end of the scale in terms of seriousness.”
Mr Kons said the move would bring Tasmania into line with most other States and Territories which have had infringement notices for some time.

“Tasmania’s workplace safety inspectors have recently undergone intensive training, specifically in relation to the use of infringement notices, to ensure fines are applied appropriately.”

Further information:
Tasmanian Government Communications UnitPhone:
(03) 6233 6573
Steven Kons, MHA Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
Sunday, 5 August 2007