WorkSafe Victoria charges nurse who allegedly came to work after positive COVID-19 test
The case will be heard before the Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on 7 September, and is the third set of COVID-related charges laid by WorkSafe Victoria in recent weeks, along with St Basil’s Homes for the Aged and Heritage Care Epping Gardens
WorkSafe Victoria has charged an aged care nurse with two occupational health and safety breaches, accusing her of knowingly turning up to work with COVID-19. The nurse allegedly breached section 32 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) by potentially recklessly placing another person in danger of serious injury without lawful excuse, and breached section 25(1)(b) by failing to take reasonable care for the health and safety of people at her workplace, which has not been named.
“WorkSafe alleges that between 26 July 2020 and 2 August 2020, the nurse reported for casual work shifts at an aged care facility after allegedly being advised not to attend work and then being made aware that she had tested positive to COVID-19. “It is not alleged that the nurse’s actions resulted in the transmission of COVID-19 at the workplace she attended,” the agency said.
The case will be heard before the Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on 7 September, and is the third set of COVID-related charges laid by WorkSafe Victoria in recent weeks, along with St Basil’s Homes for the Aged and Heritage Care Epping Gardens.
