Taxi company fined for risk to wheelchair users

Echuca Moama Taxi Group Pty Ltd was sentenced in the Melbourne County Court today after earlier pleading guilty to a single charge of failing to ensure that persons other than employees were not exposed to health and safety risks.

The company provided wheelchair accessible vehicles which were equipped with a wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint system to secure passengers.

There was a risk of serious injury or death to passengers in wheelchairs if the taxi drivers did not properly secure them with the restraint system.

The court previously heard two passengers had died after their wheelchairs tipped over while travelling in taxis provided by the company in separate incidents in February and June 2021.

It was reasonably practicable for the company to reduce the risk to passengers in wheelchairs by implementing ongoing refresher training and competency assessments for drivers on safely securing wheelchair passengers.

WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said the two incidents highlighted the level of risk to passengers if wheelchair restraints weren't properly secured and the gravity of the potential consequences.

"Many wheelchair users remain in their chairs while travelling in accessible taxis, so it's critical that drivers properly secure the wheelchair and passenger using an appropriate restraint system before the journey begins," Mr Jenkin said.

"These incidents highlight the reality that it's not enough for duty holders to have the right safety equipment installed, they must also do everything they can to ensure workers are trained and competent in how to use the system correctly."