Fines for safety breaches to triple in SA

The maximum fines for South Australian corporations convicted of safety breaches are set to triple.

SA Minister for Industrial Relations, Michael Wright said this is just the first step in reforming penalties for workplace safety breaches under the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act.

"That means big business in South Australia will face penalties of up to $300,000 for a first offence and $600,000 for any subsequent workplace breaches that risk injuring workers," Wright said.

In comparison, most of the 25 corporations that faced conviction under the Act in the last financial year faced a fine of just $100,000.

"As penalties only apply for criminal convictions where those corporations have failed to provide a safe working environment "“ they'll deserve what they get," Wright said.

Penalties were last reviewed in January 2001 and Wright said there will be more changes to come.

Chairman of the new SafeWork SA Advisory Committee, Tom Phillips said his committee will continue to examine:

• The maximum five-year jail term.
• The existing aggravated offence provision.
• The debate about industrial manslaughter.