NT WorkSafe has charged a Territory health organisation over the death of a patient who was in the organisation’s care.
NT WorkSafe alleges that in January 2022, the patient was involuntarily admitted into the care of the health organisation. The patient had a recorded history of volatile substance abuse and was at risk of self-harm.
Despite the health organisation’s knowledge of the risks, the patient was able to access a can of deodorant within the organisation’s facility and inhale the contents, causing fatal injuries, NT WorkSafe said in a statement.
The health organisation faces the following four charges under the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 (the Act):
- One category 2 charge for failing the primary duty of care under section 19(2) of the Act
- One category 2 charge for failing the primary duty of care under section 19(3)(a)(c) and (f) of the Act
- One alternative category 3 charge failing the primary duty of care under section 19(3)(a)(c) and (f) of the Act, and
- One category 2 charge for failing the duty involving management or control of workplace section 20(2) of the Act
If found guilty of all charges, the health organisation faces a combined maximum penalty of $4.5 million dollars.
The matter is listed for mention at the Darwin Local Court today.
