WorkSafe Victoria | A supermarket worker who was caught running a chilli sauce business while receiving compensation for a work-related injury has been ordered to pay back more than $117,000.
Gary Janson, 58, was sentenced in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court after earlier pleading guilty to a single charge of fraudulently obtaining payments.
In addition to the restitution order, he was convicted and placed on an 18-month Community Corrections Order with a condition to complete 220 hours of unpaid community work.
The court heard Janson began receiving weekly compensation payments in June 2014 after lodging a claim for a shoulder injury sustained at work.
A WorkSafe investigation later found that Janson had started a chilli sauce business in October 2021, selling products online and at markets, shows, and festivals across Victoria and interstate.
During that time, Janson did not disclose his business and continued to submit certificates declaring he had not worked and had no capacity to work, receiving $117,121.41 in weekly compensation payments before they were terminated in October 2023.
When advised of the termination, Janson claimed the business was his son’s and maintained that he could not even lift his arm up to be able to work.
However, records revealed Janson was registered as the sole director, secretary, and shareholder while the company’s website listed him as the owner.
Surveillance footage also showed Janson setting up and packing up market stalls, lifting and carrying large boxes, and raising both arms for extended periods of time.
