Coronial Findings on workplace deaths – an opportunity to learn

admin • February 16, 2026

Coroners Court findings are an opportunity to learn – especially when it comes to a workplace death.


The role of the Coroners Court is to:


The Coroners’ Court deals with certain reportable deaths and this includes “When someone dies from an accident or injury, even if there is a prolonged interval between the incident and death.” – including workplace deaths. These deaths must be reported to the coroner for investigation.


All of these reportable deaths are allocated to a Coroner who then investigates the death and then will consider whether anything could be done differently to help prevent similar deaths in the future.


Inquests are not held for every death, in fact less than 5% of deaths will be the subject of an inquest. The rest of the cases will have findings made ‘in chambers’.


The Coroner may or may not make ‘recommendations’ to prevent future similar deaths.


The Coroner may or may not then order for the findings to be published. Those cases which are published can be found at: Findings | Coroners Court of Victoria


The findings into any death are always sobering reading. But in the case of work-related deaths there is almost always a preventative opportunity – even when no specific recommendations are made. For this reason, it is important that these findings are made publicly available for those who wish to review them and learn (– assuming that the worker’s family has approved the publication of the report).


The Coroners Court says that they aim to ‘identify how similar deaths may be prevented’. If that is to truly be the case, then they need to be published and we must seek to read them and learn from these tragic deaths.


Perhaps the greatest tragedy of all would be if we do not learn from these horrific deaths in the workplace?


We pay our respects to those who have lost their lives at work and acknowledge the pain and suffering of those left behind.

Everyone has the right to come home from work alive and well at the end of the day.



 

BeSafe Victoria Launches Psychological Health Training

By admin • April 21, 2026
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

The Victorian HSR Conference

By admin • April 7, 2026
Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) play a critical role in keeping Victorian workplaces safe, healthy and compliant. They are the frontline advocates for workers when it comes to identifying hazards, resolving safety issues and driving real change on the ground. One of the most important opportunities available to HSRs each year is the Victorian HSR Conference , hosted by the Victorian Trades Hall Council and subject to approval by WorkSafe Victoria. Not only is this conference an invaluable learning and networking opportunity, HSRs have a legal entitlement to attend. For regional HSRs, including those in Ballarat and surrounding areas, the addition of Ballarat as a new satellite conference location makes this entitlement even more accessible. HSRs Have a Legal Right to Attend the Victorian HSR Conference Under Victorian occupational health and safety law, HSRs are entitled to attend approved training and education to support them in their role. The annual Victorian HSR Conference is subject to approval by WorkSafe under section 69 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, which means: HSRs are entitled to attend on paid time Time spent attending is considered time at work Employers cannot disadvantage an HSR for attending HSRs must provide at least 14 days’ notice to their employer of their intention to attend (unless otherwise agreed) This legal framework exists because the Victorian safety system recognises that trained, informed HSRs save lives, prevent injuries and improve workplace culture. WorkSafe emphasises that conferences and training approved under the Act are a vital part of enabling HSRs to effectively exercise their powers and functions. Why Conferences Matter for HSRs While formal HSR training provides foundations, the annual conference goes further. It brings together thousands of HSRs from across Victoria to focus on emerging risks, legal developments and practical strategies that can be taken straight back into workplaces. The conference typically covers: Emerging hazards Updates on OHS law and enforcement Real case studies from active HSRs Skills sessions on consultation, issue resolution and enforcement powers Opportunities to hear directly from safety experts, organisers and other HSRs This year a Satellite Conference will be held in Ballarat For HSRs based in Ballarat and regional Victoria, the Ballarat satellite conference offers all the benefits of the main event, without the barriers that often prevent regional workers from attending. Easier Access, Less Travel - Travelling to Melbourne can be time‑consuming and costly for regional HSRs. Satellite conferences allow HSRs to attend closer to home, reducing travel fatigue and minimising time away from work and family. Strong Regional Networking - The Ballarat satellite conference provides an opportunity to connect with other regional HSRs, share practical solutions relevant to local industries and build ongoing support networks that last well beyond the conference. Many HSRs report that these peer connections become one of the most valuable outcomes of attending. Confidence to Use Your Powers- Conference sessions are designed to increase confidence in exercising powers lawfully, clarify employer obligations and reinforce that HSRs are legally protected when acting in good faith. Bringing Safety Knowledge Back to Regional Workplaces - What HSRs learn at the conference doesn’t stay in the room. It flows back into Toolbox talk, Health and safety committee meetings, Risk assessments and issue resolution processes. By attending the Ballarat satellite conference, regional HSRs strengthen safety leadership across the entire local workforce. The Victorian HSR Conference is more than an event – it is a legally supported investment in safer workplaces. For Ballarat and regional HSRs, the satellite conference ensures that geography is no barrier to knowledge, connection or confidence. If you are an HSR: You are entitled to attend You should notify your employer early You should seriously consider attending your local satellite conference  Strong HSRs mean safer workplaces. The Ballarat satellite conference is an opportunity to build that strength together. If you want to put your name down to get more information on the conference please contact us at HSR Training and support | BeSafe | Regional Victoria