Industrial manslaughter laws pass in Vic

Workplace manslaughter is now a crime in Victoria, with companies and their executives now facing fines of up to $16.5 million and up to 20 years jail if workers die as a result of negligence.

The laws passed the upper house on Tuesday night and will now go to the governor for royal assent.

"I can't begin to imagine the pain felt by the families who have lost a loved one at work. I don't want any families to suffer that type of trauma," Workplace Safety Minister Jill Hennessy said on Wednesday.

The laws were an election promise for the Andrews Labor government and follow similar laws in Queensland and the ACT.

The offence will apply to employers, self-employed people and 'officers' of the company or organisation and will also apply when negligent conduct causes the death of a non-employee.