Not-for-profit organisation, Minda Inc, has been fined for a workplace safety incident occurring in SA in May 2021, in which a worker was assaulted by a client.
A SA tribunal heard the assault was enabled because Minda failed in its duty to inform the worker about the client's history of inappropriate behaviour.
The worker was subsequently injured and couldn't work for four months.
Minda pleaded guilty for not informing the worker there was a risk. The court subsequently issuing a fine of $42,000, highlighting the importance of informing workers about any risks they might face in their jobs, especially in relation to clients with a history of problematic behaviours.
The organisation had been fined earlier for a similar incident, but had failed to subsequently introduce appropriate procedures and policies to prevent exposure to occupational violence and aggression.
SafeWork, when commenting on the case, stressed employers need to ensure workers are made aware of risks, and that ‘effective means of managing, physical and sexual violence, harassment and discrimination in the workplace’ are implemented.
Source: Farrell v Minda Incorporated [2023] SAET 84 (28 September 2023)