Almost $300,000 worth of fines have been issued over the sexual harassment of workers at two hospital cafes in Victoria.
A court heard six workers were verbally and physically sexually harassed, with the youngest aged 16.
It included groping, touching and sexually intrusive and suggestive comments.
On Thursday, the boss of two coffee shops was convicted of two charges of failing to ensure a workplace under his control was safe and without risks to health, attracting a fine of $40,000.
He was the sole director of Whitelom Investments Pty Ltd and joint director of Whitelom Pty Ltd, which were convicted and fined $110,000 and $140,000 respectively.
WorkSafe investigators examined alleged incidents dating back to 2014.
The workplace health and safety regulator's investigation revealed the cafe had an online bullying and harassment policy, but employees did not know who they could raise complaints with or have contact details for that process.
WorkSafe executive director of health and safety Narelle Beer said the offences were appalling.
"It doesn't get much lower than a boss who preys on his own young workers, some still in school and starting their first jobs, for his own sexual gratification," Dr Beer said in a statement.
She said WorkSafe would not hesitate to prosecute any employer who failed to take their obligation to provide and maintain a safe workplace seriously.
"It essential that employers not only set clear standards but have policies and procedures to ensure they can prevent, respond to and report such behaviours."
An older worker agreed to write a letter of apology and donate $750 after entering into a 12-month diversion plan, WorkSafe said.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
