Companies charged with workplace manslaughter

Nordic Elevators Pty Ltd and Nordic Elevator Services Pty Ltd are both facing a single charge of workplace manslaughter under section 39G(1) of the OHS Act.

Nordic Elevators Pty Ltd also faces a single charge under sections 21(1) and 21(2)(e) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to provide employees with the necessary supervision to perform their work safely.

Nordic Elevator Services Pty Ltd also faces a single charge under sections 21(1) and 21(2)(a) of the OHS Act for failing to provide and maintain safe systems of work; and a single charge under section 23(1) of the OHS Act for failing to ensure people other than employees were not exposed to health and safety risks.

The charges follow the electrocution of a 21-year-old apprentice electrician who was performing maintenance work on a car lift at a West Melbourne apartment building alone in March 2021.

The matters are listed for a filing hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 1 March 2023.