Fines imposed on the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and NSW Trains have been described as ‘woefully inadequate’ and are unlikely to deter employers from engaging in unsafe conduct, by the RTBU.
The ARTC and NSW Trains were fined $375,000 and $150,000, respectively, on April 3 at the Melbourne Magistrates Court for their roles in a train derailment and double fatality.
They pleaded guilty to breaches of the Rail Safety National Law. The derailment occurred near Wallan, resulting in the deaths of the driver and another rail safety worker.
Investigations revealed failures by both companies to ensure safety measures were in place, including informing staff of track changes and installing warnings.
The court found that inadequate safety procedures led to the derailment, causing injuries to 60 passengers, with eight requiring hospitalisation.
Read more: RTBU website