The long-running Essendon supplements saga has taken a new twist with the AFL club being charged by WorkSafe Victoria over occupational health and safety (OHS) breaches during its controversial 2011-12 program.
Following a “comprehensive investigation”, WorkSafe found the Bombers had made two breaches of the OHS Act of 2004: “failing to provide and maintain for employees a working environment that is, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health”; and “failing to provide and maintain for employees a system of work that is, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health”.
Essendon acknowledged the charges, saying they reflected “the governance failings of the club at that time, which the club has accepted responsibility”.
“Essendon Football Club has been assisting WorkSafe with its investigation and agreed to the charges laid today,” the club said on its website.
The matter will now be heard in court.
The AFL has been cleared of breaching the Act.
Essendon’s supplements program prompted two years of investigations after which the 34 current and former players accused of using a banned substance were found not guilty by the AFL’s anti-doping tribunal in March this year.
The World Anti-Doping Agency appealed that verdict and the Court of Arbitration for Sport will hear the case in Sydney in the week starting 16 November.
Sport scientist Stephen Dank was handed a lifetime ban by the AFL tribunal in June for his role in the affair. He indicated in July he would fight the ban.
