Victoria’s Essendon football club has been charged by WorkSafe Victoria for breaching two counts of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a long investigation into doping allegations.

WorkSafe’s investigations cleared the AFL of any breaches.

The charges relate to Essendon’s supplements program from the end of 2011 to August 2012, which saw the club fined $2 million by the AFL and the one-year suspension of coach James Hird.

WorkSafe’s charges come a few days before the World Anti-Doping Agency is set to bring a case against a number of current and former Essendon players at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Sydney.

WorkSafe released a statement this week outlining the charges.

“Following a comprehensive investigation, WorkSafe has charged the Essendon Football Club with two breaches of the OHS Act 2004 in relation to its 2011-2012 supplements program,” the statement read.

“The charges are: One breach of section 21(1) – failing to provide and maintain for employees a working environment that is, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health; one breach of 21(2)(a) - failing to provide and maintain for employees a system of work that is, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health.

“WorkSafe understands the significant public interest in the details surrounding this matter. However, as it is now before the court, it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this time.

“WorkSafe has also completed its investigation into alleged breaches of the OHS Act by the Australian Football League. Following a review of the available and admissible evidence, it could not be established to the requisite standard that the AFL breached the OHS Act.”

The first mention hearing will be on November 30.