$17m in Penalties for Unsafe Work in 2025
WorkSafe Victoria recorded $17.39 million in fines, costs and undertakings in 2025, for breaches of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Dangerous Goods Act. The includes Victoria’s first workplace manslaughter conviction rising to a record $3 million on appeal, alongside three other seven‑figure penalties and 29 matters exceeding $100,000.
Construction dominated the prosecutions, with 64 employers facing action, followed by manufacturing (30) and transport, postal and warehousing (8). Offences on working at height made up the largest category, with 52 employers, mostly in construction, collectively fined $3.74 million. Failures involving mobile plant accounted for 26 prosecutions, while unguarded machinery led to 17.
WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said the focus reflected where “the most serious harm” occurs. “Construction remains Victoria’s deadliest industry with 69 fatalities in the last five years, largely due to preventable falls from height, but we also continue to see significant workplace harm in both the manufacturing and transport sectors,” Mr Jenkin said. He emphasised that strong enforcement is essential, even when no incident has yet occurred, and stressed that seemingly small shortcuts, like skipping guard rails or allowing apprentices to work alone, can carry fatal consequences.
Of the 137 successful prosecutions in 2025, 17 related to workplace deaths, with many others resulting in life‑changing injuries such as paraplegia, brain damage and amputations.
WorkSafe also pursued stronger penalties through the courts, finalising seven appeals and securing the increased manslaughter fine. Beyond physical safety risks, the regulator prosecuted four duty holders for failing to protect workers from bullying and psychological harm, ahead of new psychological health regulations introduced in December 2025.
Looking ahead, WorkSafe will continue seeking penalties that reflect the seriousness of offences and drive behavioural change. Enforcement remains central to its “constructive compliance” strategy, with funds from fines supporting education, tools and programs designed to help employers improve safety across Victoria.