The High Court has substantially increased fines for three companies over workplace accidents, following a Department of Labour appeal.
Mining company Black Reef Mine had its $10,000 fine doubled and must pay an extra $25,000 to the widow of Robert McGowan, who died when the mine flooded in 2006.
Construction firm Hanham and Philip Contractors had its fine increased $5,000 to $50,000 after a contractor was seriously injured in a fall from a platform.
Cookie Time had been fined $15,000 when a worker's arm became caught in a conveyor belt in 2007. The penalty was increased by the court to $40,000.
The Department of Labour's national support manager, Andrew Kear, says the decision sends a strong message to employers that courts are intending to take health and safety breaches more seriously.
The department believes the court ruling sets a precedent for future prosecutions.
However, the Employers and Manufacturer's Association is questioning whether increased penalties will reduce workplace accident rates.
Occupational safety and health manager Paul Jarvie says increased penalties do not improve safety culture, and all businesses need to make a proactive effort to improve workplace safety.
