NT's WHS regulator charges health organisation over patient death

NT WorkSafe, the Northern Territory’s work health and safety regulator, has charged an NT health organisation over the death of a patient who was in the organisation’s care.

The incident occurred in January 2022. NT WorkSafe alleges the patient — who had a recorded history of volatile substance abuse and was at risk of self-harm — was involuntarily admitted into the care of the health organisation.

“Despite the health organisation’s knowledge of the risks,” the regulator said, “the patient was able to access a can of deodorant within the organisation’s facility and inhale the contents, causing fatal injuries.”

Under the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011, the health organisation faces the following four charges:

• One category 2 charge for failing the primary duty of care under section 19(2) of the Act
• One category 2 charge for failing the primary duty of care under section 19(3)(a)(c) and (f) of the Act
  • One alternative category 3 charge failing the primary duty of care under section 19(3)(a)(c) and (f) of the Act, and
• One category 2 charge for failing the duty involving management or control of workplace section 20(2) of the Act

Listed for mention at the Darwin Local Court tomorrow, if found guilty, the health organisation faces a combined maximum penalty of $4.5 million.

If you are affected by any of the issues discussed in this article, help is available. Lifeline has a 24/7 crisis support service: please call 13 11 14.

Image credit: iStock.com/Rizwan Mehmood