SafeWork NSW is to increase the number of inspectors and associated support staff to further its work to reduce the State’s workplace injury and fatality rates.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson said $6.4 million had been allocated to the recruitment drive, which was to see 40 new inspectors join SafeWork’s team of 330.
Mr Anderson said the additional inspectors would lift the ratio in NSW to one inspector for every 10,000 workers, in line with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) benchmark and ahead of other jurisdictions, including Victoria and Queensland.
“Government’s focus has always been on preventing incidents from taking place and our inspectors play a key role on the front line educating business and ensuring workplaces remain safe,” Mr Anderson said.
“This financial year, SafeWork inspectors made 40,297 proactive and reactive visits, issued 8,504 improvements notices and 448 penalty notices,” he said.
“These efforts make a real difference when it comes to our safety at work.”
Mr Anderson said SafeWork inspectors played an educative role by helping businesses implement the right safety measures, as well as an enforcement role by ensuring compliance with legislation and issuing fines and penalties where safety was at risk.
“SafeWork inspectors have special powers to stop unsafe practices immediately and issue on-the-spot fines of up to $3,600 to anyone who disregards the safety of others,” he said.
Mr Anderson said recruitment commenced last week (22 June) and the new inspectors would join SafeWork progressively over the next 24 months.
