New WA Work Health and Safety Bill introduces 'Industrial manslaughter' offences
The McGowan Labor Government will invest $12.9 million in new initiatives, to enhance workplace health and safety. An additional 24 full time staff, including 21 additional inspectors, will be employed by WorkSafe. This will bring the total number of inspectors to 120 to conduct more safety inspections, enforce workplace safety and provide more education and awareness support.
To strengthen Western Australia's workplace safety laws, the McGowan Government will introduce a new Work Health and Safety Bill that will modernise workplace safety laws, better protect workers and hold those responsible for any workplace deaths.
One of the main features of the legislation is the introduction of two new offences of industrial manslaughter:
- Industrial manslaughter class one: the most serious offence, this includes a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment for an individual conducting or undertaking a business.
- Industrial manslaughter class two: this includes a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment for negligent behaviour.