Why does an inspector visit a workplace?
The main role of an inspector is to ensure workplaces comply with electrical safety legislation, industrial relations legislation and workplace health and safety legislation. It is also part of an inspector’s role to provide information and advice on the legislation.
Inspectors visit workplaces for a variety of reasons including:
- to investigate workplace incidents
- to investigate reports of unsafe or unhealthy conditions and dangerous work practices
- to ensure (as far as possible) the provisions of awards and agreements are complied with
- to assess workplace health and safety risks to workers and members of the public
- to conduct workplace health and safety inspections and audits
- to inform workers and employers of their rights and obligations under industrial relations legislation
- to provide information and advice on the legislation (electrical safety, industrial relations, workplace health and safety).
Electrical and workplace health and safety inspectors only pre-arrange their visit to the workplace if they are confident that advance notice of a workplace visit will not jeopardise the intention of the visit. Advance notice is not usually provided.
However industrial relations inspectors will provide advance notice where practicable.
When taking enforcement action the inspector will explain:
- the reason for taking the action
- the evidence on which they have based their decision
- what you should do to comply
- where you can get some guidance on how to comply
- the date by which you should comply.
If you are not completely clear about the explanation, please ask the inspector to clarify these issues.
Last updated January 20, 2006
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