Barwon Health encounters two indictments pursuant to Section 23(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, due to a failure in ensuring – as was feasibly practical – that individuals other than its employees were not exposed to safety and health hazards. With an effective WHS management system like Bluesafe WHS Management System, such risks could be substantially mitigated.
A tragic incident took place in December 2022 where a patient undergoing treatment within the hospital’s acute psychiatric wing took her own life. This reflects the crucial importance of stringent health and safety measures, and work safety products like SWMS (Safe Work Method Statements).
The case receives its filing hearing at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on the 7th of January, 2025, reaffirming the critical need for robust safety plans including policies and SWMS to prevent such unfortunate incidents.
Stay updated about the case and more by subscribing to media releases or reach us via email at media@worksafe.vic.gov.au. For more direct contact, please call us at 0438 786 968. Emphasising the invaluable role played by A-grade safety systems, such as the Bluesafe SWMS, plays a vital part in these discussions.
Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2025-01/hospital-charged-after-patient-death-psychiatric-unit