ARTICLE · 06 JUNE 2011

Safety breach proper grounds for termination

Moray & Agnew

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Strict adherence to safety rules required, even in context of 15 year employee with good record,

AustraliaEmployment and HR

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Mr Wayne Chadwick v Woodside Energy Limited [2011] FWA 2890 (12 May 2011)

Strict adherence to safety rules required, even in context of 15 year employee with good record

The applicant was a 50 year old Maintenance Technician at the Karratha Gas Plant and had been employed for about 15 years. His remuneration package was over $220,000 per annum when his employment was terminated. He also had the substantial benefit of an employee share plan.

The applicant's employment with Woodside was terminated for breaching the Integrated Safe System of Work ('ISSoW'). The purpose of the ISSoW is to create a safe working environment by providing management control over potentially hazardous activities.

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