THE Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is calling for national work health and safety laws to be stricter to deter breaches in Australian mines.
In a recent review of OHS penalties, a panel recommended penalties of up to $3 million for companies that breach occupational health and safety laws, as well as criminal charges and jail time for individuals.
However, the ACTU claims the penalties are not enough and says the death or handicapping of employees is “more serious”.
Going one step further, the union pointed out that the proposed jail terms are less than existing sentences. The ACTU is prompting the national system to meet or exceed the conditions set down by the strictest states.
Add a comment