Health organisation charged over patient’s death

NT WorkSafe has charged a Territory health organisation over the death of a patient who was in the organisation’s care.

NT WorkSafe alleges that in January 2022, the patient was involuntarily admitted into the care of the health organisation. The patient had a recorded history of volatile substance abuse and was at risk of self-harm.

Despite the health organisation’s knowledge of the risks, the patient was able to access a can of deodorant within the organisation’s facility and inhale the contents, causing fatal injuries.

The health organisation faces the following four charges under the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 (the Act):

• One category 2 charge for failing the primary duty of care under section 19(2) of the Act
• One category 2 charge for failing the primary duty of care under section 19(3)(a)(c) and (f) of the Act
  • One alternative category 3 charge failing the primary duty of care under section 19(3)(a)(c) and (f) of the Act, and
• One category 2 charge for failing the duty involving management or control of workplace section 20(2) of the Act

If found guilty of all charges, the health organisation faces a combined maximum penalty of $4.5 million dollars.

The matter is listed for mention at the Darwin Local Court on 2 June 2026.