Melbourne hotel accused of endangering health and safety
WorkSafe Victoria has charged an inner Melbourne hotel with breaches of the Occupational Health and Safety Act with authorities alleging patrons were exposed to “unsafe” conditions.
Keyun Enterprises Pty Ltd that runs Comfy Kew Apartments allegedly failed to implement a Covid-safe plan, failed to require contractors sign in on entry, and failed to enforce simple covid safe measures such as wearing a mask.
The hotel housed some of the state’s most vulnerable people during the pandemic.
WorkSafe alleges the company agreed to accommodate several vulnerable homeless people in Victoria during the Covid outbreak and exposed patrons and contractors to health and safety risks.
The charges relate to alleged breaches to protocols on 28 September last year.
WorkSafe Victoria claimed in a statement that the company failed to provide a safe workplace and one without risks to health.
“As a result of these failings, it is alleged patrons and contractors at Comfy Kew Apartments were exposed to risks to their health and safety,” the statement read.
The matter is expected to be heard at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 30 November 2021.
Irit Jackson, 7th October 2021
