INJURIES suffered by two Chinese guest workers in Australia on Section 457 visas have cost Campbellfield company, Lakeside Packaging, a conviction and fines totalling $100,000.
WorkSafe Victoria prosecuted the company, which pleaded guilty to seven workplace health and safety charges.
The decision announced on Monday, is thought to be Australia’s first prosecution in relation to people hurt while in Australia on these visas.
One man’s arm was crushed in an unguarded printing press; the other had two arms broken in separate incidents a few weeks later.
Broadmeadows Magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg said the case should send a strong message to employers with foreign workers to ensure they were trained in their own language.
WorkSafe is investigating four other cases involving injuries to people in Victoria on section 457 visas.