Charges laid after school student's death

Three charges have been filed at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court under section 23 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, for failing to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons other than employees are not exposed to risks to their health or safety.

The charges relate to an incident in which a student in a wheelchair tipped over at the base of a ramp at Warringa Park School at Hoppers Crossing on 26 November 2018.

The seven-year-old boy suffered a head injury and died four days later.

WorkSafe alleges the department failed to maintain the ramp, document supervision and mobility requirements of its students, and appropriately train its teachers in documented supervision of its students.

The matter is listed for a file hearing at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 10 February.