Former NT Youth Detention Officer Warns of Understaffing After Losing Fingers in Accident

Introduction

Manuel Del Brocco, a former youth detention officer in Darwin, is speaking out about the dangers of understaffing in the Northern Territory’s prison system after a workplace accident resulted in the loss of two of his fingers.

Concerns Raised

Mr. Del Brocco attributes the incident to understaffing and the resulting fatigue and tension within the detention center. He claims that despite official statements, the facility was short-staffed on the day of the accident, leading to detainee lockdowns and increased stress for the officers.

Understaffing and Safety Risks

Mr. Del Brocco expresses concerns that the ongoing understaffing crisis in the NT prison system poses significant risks to both staff and detainees. He believes that fatigue and stress caused by staff shortages can lead to mistakes and increase the likelihood of accidents.

Compensation Concerns

Mr. Del Brocco also raises concerns about the limitations of the NT’s workers’ compensation scheme, which prevents workers from suing their employers for compensation and limits access to income and medical support. He expresses dissatisfaction with the potential compensation amount for his injury.

Government Response

The NT government acknowledges the understaffing issue and is actively recruiting more officers. They also claim that transferring prisoners between facilities will improve staff safety.

Conclusion

This incident highlights the critical need for adequate staffing levels in detention centers to ensure the safety and well-being of both staff and detainees. Mr. Del Brocco’s experience also brings to light the limitations of the workers’ compensation scheme in the NT, prompting calls for reform to better support injured workers.