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Investigation and prosecution following workplace fatalities: Responding to the needs of families

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2023

Lynda R Matthews ,
Scott J Fitzpatrick ,
Philip Bohle  and
Michael Quinlan
Lynda R Matthews*
Affiliation:
The University of Sydney, Australia
Scott J Fitzpatrick
Affiliation:
The University of Sydney, Australia
Philip Bohle
Affiliation:
The University of Sydney, Australia
Michael Quinlan
Affiliation:
The University of New South Wales, Australia
*
Lynda R Matthews, Ageing, Work and Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Level 3 Building M, Cumberland Campus C42, The University of Sydney, PO Box 170, Lidcombe NSW 1825, Australia. Email: lynda.matthews@sydney.edu.au
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Abstract

Every year, there are over 200 traumatic deaths at work in Australia. A government safety inspector usually investigates each incident. The investigation may lead to prosecution of the employer or another party deemed to have breached relevant legislation. However, little systematic research has examined the needs and interests of grieving families in this process. Drawing on interviews with 48 representatives of institutions that deal with deaths at work (including regulators, unions, employers, police and coronial officers), this article examines how they view the problems and experiences of families. Notwithstanding some recent improvements, findings indicate ongoing shortcomings in meeting the needs of families regarding information provision, involvement and securing justice.

Keywords

J53K41Industrial relationssafety prosecutionstraumatic workplace deathworkplace health and safety
Type
Non-Symposium Articles
Information
The Economic and Labour Relations Review , Volume 25 , Issue 2: Symposium - Some Impacts of Neoliberalism , June 2014 , pp. 253 - 270
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2014

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