WorkSafe Victoria has charged a Melbourne hospital after a nurse was allegedly assaulted in its acute psychiatric unit.

Austin Health has been charged with two breaches of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to maintain a workplace that is safe and without risk to health.

The hospital has been charged under section 21(1) and 21 (2)(a) of the OHS Act for failing to maintain safe systems of work; and under section 21(1) and 21(2)(e) for failing to provide information, instruction and training.

The charges relate to an incident on 17 September 2019 in which a patient allegedly assaulted a nurse in the psychiatric unit's high support area.

The matter is listed for a mention hearing at Heidelberg Magistrates' Court on 6 October 2021.