Mock trial delivers safety reality check

National Safe Work Month 2023’s motto is ‘for everyone’s safety, work safely’, which reiterates Winslow’s ‘commitment by everyone every day we succeed as one’.

Last month, the Sunbury Road Upgrade team organised a mock workplace incident trial at the Old Melbourne Magistrates Court for Winslow Infrastructure leaders.

The trial, held where Ned Kelly was sentenced to death, simulated an actual court case for a workplace accident with a real prosecutor cross-examining witnesses.

The half-day session was facilitated by coaches from Mock Court Australia through Safety Dimensions to highlight the serious legal consequences the business and leaders would face if Winslow was ever to be litigated over an incident on site resulting in injury or death.

This aided leaders in understanding their duty of care to the highly valued workers on our sites, keeping in line with Winslow’s ‘My Family My Safety’ mantra. 

The basis of the trial was that an asset strike by an excavator at a level crossing had resulted in the electrocution of a labourer, who died at the scene. 

Roles undertaken on the day included Superintendent Jason Joselin, who acted as judge, with Winslow Supervisors Ross Marshall and Zac Watkins, and Senior Project Engineer Adam Ostrowski acting as witnesses.

They were cross examined by a prosecutor – who was a real police prosecutor for 13 years – as they would be in a real trial, with an aim to expose flaws in safety procedures or attitudes by employees.

This was a reality check for all in the court room as it highlighted how being a part of a work site accident can leave everyone on site exposed to prosecution for breach of workplace safety laws.

Winslow leaders, safety team members and other field staff were in the court room to watch and learn from the proceedings.

The overall response after the trial was positive, with one safety manager saying, “how difficult it would be to answer questions in court without incriminating yourself or the company”.

Another attendee said the key message delivered was “to not be complacent and leave others to take responsibility – safety is all about ownership, engagement and collaboration”.