Bombers to plead guilty to work safety breach
Essendon Football Club admits it failed to provide its players with a safe workplace during the ill-fated supplements program.
Representatives for the Bombers on Monday in the Melbourne Magistrates Court indicated the club would plead guilty to two offences under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.
WorkSafe Victoria says the club, at the end of 2011 and in 2012, gave players supplements without taking necessary steps to reduce potential health risks.
The watchdog says the club should have done the following:
- Given the club doctor a summary of all clinical findings, known and possible short and long-term side effects of the substance and a statement that it did not contravene any World Anti-Doping Authority guidelines.
- The club doctor should then make a recommendation about the suitability of the product for Essendon players.
- If the substance is recommended by the club doctor, players should be given a letter of consent to sign.
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“Essendon players were exposed to risks to their health and safety by your failure to provide and maintain the system of work described,” WorkSafe Victoria documents before the court say.
The charges against the club allege the Bombers failed to provide a safe work environment.
Essendon is due back before the court for a plea hearing on December 22.
The AFL was also investigated by WorkSafe in the wake of the supplement scandal, but no charges were laid.
AAP
