WorkSafe has commenced prosecution action against the Department of Justice over psychological injury to a former prison officer at Bunbury Regional Prison.

The department has been charged with failing to provide and maintain a safe work environment and, by that failure, causing serious harm to a worker. The maximum penalty for this offence is a fine of $3.5 million.

It is alleged that a failure by the department to have procedures in place to deal with inappropriate workplace behaviours caused harm to an employee, a female prison officer.

The alleged inappropriate behaviours included bullying, harassment (including sexual harassment) and victimisation.

This is the first time WorkSafe has taken prosecution action under the current legislation over psychosocial issues.

The first mention will take place on November 7 at Bunbury Magistrates Court.

The Code of Practice – Psychosocial hazards in the workplace and Code of Practice – Workplace behaviour are published on the WorkSafe website and provide practical guidance to persons conducting a business or undertaking about managing psychosocial risks.

As the case is now before the courts, WorkSafe will not be providing any further comment.

Media Contact: Caroline De Vaney, 0408 927563 (media enquiries only).

caroline.devaney@demirs.wa.gov.au