What does NT WorkSafe do?

NT WorkSafe works with Territory businesses and workers by:

• setting the safety standards to ensure that businesses and workers meet their responsibilities under the law;
• explaining and interpreting laws and standards and by providing businesses and workers with guidance materials; and
• helping businesses and workers meet their responsibilities through workplace visits, advice, audits and inspections.

NT WorkSafe consists of the following divisions working collaboratively to influence and achieve the highest possible work health and safety (WHS) outcomes in the Territory:

Licensing and Advisory Services

The Licensing and Advisory Services team is the first point of contact for all enquiries excluding workers’ compensation. The team provides a wide array of services, including the:

• administration and triage of mandatory notifications, notifiable incidents and safety concerns;
• issuance of licences, permits, registrations, and accreditations under legislation administered by NT WorkSafe;
• approval of course delivery by training providers and health and safety representative courses; and
• provision of relevant advice and support to businesses and individuals.

WHS Assurance

The WHS Assurance team develops and implements targeted campaigns to identified high-risk sectors with the goal of improving safety standards and reducing injury rates. The role of the team also includes:

• making enquiries into safety concerns raised to NT WorkSafe;
• attending to asbestos notifications;
• providing advice and assistance to businesses on WHS matters such as:
  • Development and implementation of safety management systems;
  • Devising of strategies and solutions to manage workplace hazards and risks; and
  • Provision of resources and guidance materials on WHS issues.

Regulatory Compliance

The Regulatory Compliance team monitors and enforces compliance with legislations administered by the Work Health Authority by responding to notifiable incidents and notifications of safety concerns, directing compliance, and assisting in the resolution of WHS issues. Compliance inspectors are often the first point of contact following a dangerous incident, serious injury or illness, or death of a person, and may assist investigators.

Investigations

The Investigations team is responsible for conducting detailed and/or complex investigations into potential serious breaches of legislation. The unit utilises numerous methods of obtaining evidence to ensure admissibility in the event that appropriate prosecutions are brought before the Court with respect to such matters.

Regulatory Reform

Regulatory Reform consults and develops legislation and policies specific to the powers and functions of the Work Health Authority. The team participates in local and national reviews of relevant legislation, represents the Territory on various national committees and groups, coordinates legislative amendments, and undertakes public consultation as required.

Technical Services

The Technical Services team provides high-level and specialist technical support to stakeholders including site inspection, advice, information, rulings, recommendations and services in the resources (mining, hydrocarbon and geothermal), major hazard facilities, dangerous goods transport and electrical industry sectors. The group also provides effective, efficient and timely technical support for investigation, campaigns and policy users, and recommendations on legislative changes and technical advances.

Rehabilitation and Compensation

The Rehabilitation and Compensation unit provides quality services and expertise in the administration of the Return to Work Act 1986 and Return to Work Regulations 1986, including:

• providing advice and information to employers, workers, insurers, medical and legal professionals, and the overarching stakeholders including the general public about workers’ rehabilitation and compensation matters;
• providing a mediation service which forms a part of the dispute resolution process for injured workers and also providing a service to ensure applications for permanent impairment reassessment are facilitated in accordance with the requirements of the Act;
• approving the operation of insurers and self-insurers, vocational rehabilitation providers and making recommendations to the Minister for the approval of mediators for the dispute resolution process pursuant to the Act; and
• collecting data from insurers and self-insurers used for internal, jurisdictional and national reporting which assists in identifying trends to prioritise WHS activities and allows the Authority to monitor the Scheme.