The workplace regulator has launched legal action against the Department of Justice over the alleged bullying and harassment of an officer at Bunbury Regional Prison.
WorkSafe has changed the department with failing to provide and maintain a safe work environment which then caused serious harm to a female prison officer.
For that offence, the department could be hit with the maximum penalty of $3.5 million over the alleged workplace failure at WA’s largest regional prison.
WorkSafe is alleging that the department’s failure to have procedures in place to deal with inappropriate workplace behaviours caused harm to that employee.
Those alleged behaviours include bullying, harassment (including sexual harassment) and victimisation.
The legal action reportedly relates to claims made by former Bunbury prision officer Bronwyn Hendry against the department.
It marks the first occasion the workplace regulator has launched prosecution proceeding under the current legislation over psychosocial issues.
Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce is reportedly convening crisis meetings at the Bunbury prison today and tomorrow.
It comes after the Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services handed down an investigation into the Bunbury prison in June.
the report found infrastructure was inadequate for the population, of about 570 prisoners, which impacted services delivery and working conditions for staff, among other findings.
The WorkSafe matter will be heard at Bunbury Magistrates Court on November 7.
