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Investigation and prosecution following workplace fatalities: Responding to the needs of families

Author

Listed:
  • Lynda R Matthews
  • Scott J Fitzpatrick
  • Philip Bohle
  • Michael Quinlan

Abstract

Every year, there are over 200 traumatic deaths at work in Australia. A government safety inspector usually investigates each incident. The investigation may lead to prosecution of the employer or another party deemed to have breached relevant legislation. However, little systematic research has examined the needs and interests of grieving families in this process. Drawing on interviews with 48 representatives of institutions that deal with deaths at work (including regulators, unions, employers, police and coronial officers), this article examines how they view the problems and experiences of families. Notwithstanding some recent improvements, findings indicate ongoing shortcomings in meeting the needs of families regarding information provision, involvement and securing justice.

Suggested Citation

  • Lynda R Matthews & Scott J Fitzpatrick & Philip Bohle & Michael Quinlan, 2014. "Investigation and prosecution following workplace fatalities: Responding to the needs of families," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 25(2), pages 253-270, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecolab:v:25:y:2014:i:2:p:253-270
    DOI: 10.1177/1035304614534350
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Biddle, Lucy, 2003. "Public hazards or private tragedies? An exploratory study of the effect of coroners' procedures on those bereaved by suicide," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 56(5), pages 1033-1045, March.
    2. Loomis, D. & Schulman, M.D. & Bailer, A.J. & Stainback, K. & Wheeler, M. & Richardson, D.B. & Marshall, S.W., 2009. "Political economy of US states and rates of fatal occupational injury," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(8), pages 1400-1408.
    3. Wayne B. Gray & John M. Mendeloff, 2005. "The Declining Effects of Osha Inspections on Manufacturing Injuries, 1979–1998," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 58(4), pages 571-587, July.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Industrial relations; safety prosecutions; traumatic workplace death; workplace health and safety;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J53 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - Labor-Management Relations; Industrial Jurisprudence
    • K41 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Litigation Process

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