Electrician fined over bullying and harassment of apprentice

The 33-year-old company director was sentenced in the Frankston Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 11 March after pleading guilty to a single charge.

In addition to the fine, the court ordered him to pay $3,000 in costs. It also imposed an adverse publicity order requiring him to publish details of the offence, its consequences and the penalty in two industry publications. He has also written an apology to the apprentice.

The court heard the director repeatedly behaved inappropriately towards the apprentice between September 2022 and April 2023. His behaviour continued after she raised complaints with help from a support person, and she eventually resigned.

WorkSafe's investigation found the workplace had no policies or procedures for reporting, investigating or stopping inappropriate behaviour.

The court found the director could reasonably have reduced the risk of psychological injury by refraining from bullying, sexually harassing or directing work-related gendered violence at the apprentice.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Sam Jenkin described the offending as a grotesque breach of trust and of the standards expected of employers of apprentices.

"All workers, especially young workers who are just finding their way in the workforce, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect by their employer and colleagues," Mr Jenkin said.

"This is simply unacceptable behaviour from anyone, but appalling from a company director who was in a clear position of power, and I applaud the courage of this apprentice in speaking out."

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