Victorian brokers have an opportunity to “add-on” services to their clients with the impending introduction of the Crimes (Workplace Deaths and Serious Injuries) Bill, according to lawyer Barry Sheriff.

Speaking at a breakfast seminar in Melbourne this morning, Mr Sheriff, a partner at law firm Freehills, said brokers both large and small should be notifying their clients of the procedures to have in place when the Bill becomes law later this year. 

This is particularly true for clients involved with contractual management, he said. “These types of businesses should have systems in place for ongoing review of risk management standards. Brokers should work with their clients to make sure their system has the ability to demonstrate and verify the kind of risk management that has been put in place.” 

Appropriate channels of communication are also an important part of proper implementation of risk management practices, Mr Sheriff said. “There also needs to be a clear chain of response and accountability.” 

By paying attention to the client and making sure employees are disciplined in the event of an accident, businesses will get a remarkably better insurance risk, especially in the areas of professional indemnity and public liability. “Improved risk management systems will inevitably lower risk,” Mr Sheriff said. 

Other speakers at the Freehills breakfast included Director of Public Prosecutions Paul Coglin, QC, who will lead prosecutions under the new legislation.