WorkSafe Victoria accused St Basil’s Homes For The Aged of Fawkner of further breaches of the Occupational Safety and Health Act following the deadly outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020.
But the families of those who died at the well-known nursing home are demanding prison sentences for those responsible.
An elderly care center in north Melbourne has been charged, with 45 residents killed by COVID-19. (new)
The occupational safety dog alleges that in July 2020, after being notified by a worker who tested positive for COVID-19, the facility did not require workers to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). .
It is also alleged that the facility did not train workers on how to put on and take off PPE safely, verify that staff were competent to use it, tell staff when to use and monitor the use of the equipment.
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During the outbreak, 94 residents and 94 staff members tested positive for the virus, and 45 residents died from COVID-19-related complications.
Spiros Vasilakis ’mother, 81-year-old mother Maria, was among the 45 residents who died during the outbreak.
“This is significant, today is a day when we learned that this facility would be responsible,” he said.
“The news caused a sense of relief, I was happy, something has finally happened.
“At the same time, it draws all those sad and bitter feelings.”
Spiros Vasilakis ’mother, 81-year-old mother Maria, was among the 45 residents who died during the outbreak. (new)
Vasilakis said he was expecting a tougher penalty.
“They’ve been charged, fantastic. But for the end result to be a fine, that’s the void,” he said.
“When an employer doesn’t offer a safe work environment, that should be a fine. But when the employer doesn’t have a safe work environment and that causes death, that can’t stop at a fine.
“Fifty lives can’t be a fine, a life can’t be a fine. I’m afraid it’s a criminal charge that is only punishable by a stay in prison.”
WorkSafe Victoria accused the caregiver of the elderly of multiple offenses, including two breaches of not allowing workers to do their jobs safely.
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St Basil’s was also charged with three breaches, after failing to ensure that its employees were not exposed to risks to their health or safety arising from the conduct of their company.
The maximum penalty for each of St. Basil’s alleged crimes is a $ 1.49 million fine.
The investigation began with a memorial to the victims.
The matter is set for a hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 1 August.