Charges by WorkSafe laid after assault on youth justice worker

WorkSafe has charged the Department of Justice and Community Safety for alleged health and safety breaches.

Two charges have been filed at the Melbourne Magistrates Court under section 21 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, for failing to maintain a working environment that was safe and without risks to health.

The charges relate to an incident in which a youth justice worker was assaulted with a guitar in the Deakin Unit of the Malmsbury Youth Justice Precinct on 24 January 2018.

The worker suffered head and shoulder injuries, requiring hospital treatment.

WorkSafe alleges DJCS failed to provide and maintain safe systems of work and failed to provide necessary information and instruction to reduce this risk.

The matter will be heard at Melbourne Magistrates Court on 13 November 2019.