Induction failure leads to $20,000 fine for aged care provider

Induction failure leads to $20,000 fine for aged care provider

Aged care provider Baptcare Ltd has appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on one count of failing to ensure non-employees were not exposed to health and safety risks. The company pleaded guilty.

The charge relates to an incident during which hot black coffee was spilled onto a resident’s leg, requiring immediate medical attention.

A subcontracted worker who was not aware of emergency protocols, including the emergency button nearby, approached an employee to assist.

The court heard that the risk to the health and safety of residents was paramount, particularly because delays in assistance being appropriately administered because of the subcontracted workers not being properly inducted at the facility.

Julie Nielsen, WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety, explained the importance of inducting subcontractors in the same manner as permanent staff.

“Employers have a duty of care to ensure that all staff are made aware of incident management procedures in high risk workplaces,” Ms Nielsen said.

“No matter the workplace or the circumstances, delays in emergency procedures leave staff and others in the workplace at serious risk to their health and safety.”

The company was fined $20,000, and also ordered to pay $5633 in costs.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

div#stuning-header .dfd-stuning-header-bg-container {background-image: url(https://trinitasgroup.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/banner-small.png);background-color: #000000;background-size: cover;background-position: top center;background-attachment: initial;background-repeat: no-repeat;}#stuning-header div.page-title-inner {min-height: 650px;}