New inspectors boost WorkSafe's effectiveness

29/3/04
Western Australian workplaces are benefiting from an additional eight WorkSafe inspectors, who are now fully trained and keeping watch over safety issues.
Consumer and Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke said today the new inspectors were part of an extra 20 to go into WA workplaces over a three-year period.
Mr Kobelke said it was unacceptable that, on average, fatalities in WA workplaces occurred every 16 days and that every 25 minutes a Western Australian was injured badly enough to need time off work.
"In May last year, the Gallop Government announced a commitment of $6.6million to boost the number of inspectors by about 25 per cent," the Minister said.
"During the past six months, the eight new inspectors have undergone rigorous on-the-job training and development and they have now officially 'graduated' to begin their important role of conducting workplace inspections.
"Just as we depend upon the police to keep our streets safe, WorkSafe's inspectorate plays a vital role in making our workplaces safer."
The Minister said it was crucial to ensure there were enough suitable and well-trained inspectors out there in our workplaces.
An additional six inspector positions were advertised in January, and interviews had been taking place over recent weeks.
Six more inspectors would be recruited early next year.
New reforms for Occupational Safety and Health were to be introduced to Parliament within the next two months.
"WA workers have a right to return home from their jobs every night safe and healthy," Mr Kobelke said.
"The additional WorkSafe inspectors will help ensure work environments are safe."
Minister's office: 9222 9211