WorkCover inspectors have a dual role.
They help employers and employees to understand their rights and obligations under occupational health and safety, workers compensation and injury management legislation.
They also have a range of powers to enforce compliance with the legislation. They are empowered to act under the
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 and associated legislation and the
Workers Compensation Act 1987.
Inspectors visit workplaces to:
- investigate an accident and/or breaches of legislation
- respond to a complaint from workers, unions, OHS committees etc
- give advice and information to management, committees, unions and workers
- carry out a random workplace inspection
- target hazards as a part of a specific campaign
- resolve workplace health and safety disputes.
Information role
Inspectors are trained to advise employers and employees about all aspects of occupational health and safety, workers compensation and injury management. For example:
- conduct a workplace risk assessment
- bring plant, equipment and work methods up to the required standards
- establish a workplace health and safety committee
- establish a workplace injury management program.
Enforcement role
In certain circumstances, inspectors have the power to:
- issue notices which require employers to remedy unsafe working conditions or hazards
- issue notices which prohibit work from continuing until a hazard is fixed
- issue notices requiring employers to provide proof of correct workers compensation insurance
- issue on-the-spot fines for breaches of occupational health and safety legislation
- collect evidence and recommend a prosecution.
Call 13 10 50 for more information about WorkCover inspectors