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.
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). .
An elderly care center in north Melbourne has been charged, with 45 residents killed by COVID-19. (new)
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.
During the outbreak, 94 residents and 94 staff members tested positive for the virus, and 45 residents died from COVID-19-related complications.
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WorkSafe Victoria charged the caregiver with multiple crimes, including two infractions of not allowing workers to do their jobs safely.
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 before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 1 August.