SafeWork NSW v Southern Meats Pty Ltd [2021] NSWDC 192

SafeWork NSW v Southern Meats Pty Ltd [2021] NSWDC 192

Evidence of steps taken by the defendant after the incident is admissible as it is relevant to the assessment of whether particularised steps were reasonably practicable under the Work Health and Safety Act; the risk of unfair prejudice can be managed and does not outweigh probative value.

Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
21 May 2021
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Procedural Ruling During Trial (voir Dire)
Outcome
Application allowed; evidence of post-incident steps admissible
Legal Topics
['admissibility of Evidence' 'duty of Persons Undertaking Business' 'risk Assessment' 'reasonable Practicability']

Case Brief

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Procedural Posture

Criminal / Procedural Ruling During Trial (voir Dire)

  1. 1 ["Whether evidence of post-incident changes to defendant's systems of work is admissible" 'Relevance of post-incident steps to reasonable practicability under WH&S Act' 'Risk of unfair prejudice in admitting post-incident evidence']

Ratio Decidendi

Evidence of steps taken by the defendant after the incident is admissible as it is relevant to the assessment of whether particularised steps were reasonably practicable under the Work Health and Safety Act; the risk of unfair prejudice can be managed and does not outweigh probative value.

Court Disposition

Application allowed; evidence of post-incident steps admissible

Orders

  • ['I find that evidence as to steps taken by the defendant after the incident is admissible and I allow the prosecutor to adduce such evidence.']