Workplace visits
NT WorkSafe inspectors visit workplaces for a variety of reasons, such as to:
- provide information and advice on legislation
- conduct inspections and national, statewide and regional safety campaigns
- investigate workplace incidents
- investigate reports of unsafe or unhealthy conditions and dangerous work practices
- assess workplace health and safety and electrical safety risks
- resolve work health and safety issues
- resolve right of entry and workplace access disputes
- review disputed provisional improvement notices.
NT WorkSafe inspectors work to form partnerships with businesses, worker and industry organisations to ensure workplace health and safety remains a priority in the workplace.
NT WorkSafe inspectors may prearrange workplace visits or visit without any prior notice, depending on the purpose of the visit.
During the visit
NT WorkSafe inspectors carry photo identification at all times. This identification must be clearly displayed as soon as a workplace is entered. Inspectors may be accompanied by technical experts or interpreters as required.
Upon entering the workplace, inspectors will immediately notify the employer or the person in charge of the workplace as well as any relevant health and safety representatives. This notification will summarise the:
- focus of the visit, and
- inspection process that will be followed (if necessary).
Having entered a workplace, an inspector may:
- inspect or examine any part of the workplace
- observe or search any part of the workplace
- take measurements
- take photographs or film anything at the workplace
- conduct tests
- take samples of things or substances
- request a person or other persons to produce certain documents
- obtain copies of documents
- undertake enquiries or conduct surveys to assess the degree of risk
- talk to managers, supervisors, workers and others when an incident has occurred
- enquire into circumstances and probable causes of workplace incidents
- require a person to give reasonable help
- seize things as part of the investigation at the workplace.
After the inspection
At the end of a visit, the inspector will:
- summarise possible outcomes for the employer or person in charge of the workplace
- explain any action that needs to be taken
- explain any notices issued
- inform workplace health and safety representatives of any outcomes.
An inspection report summarising the inspection findings will be provided to the employer by the Inspector either at the end of the visit or in the next few days.
Enforcement action
When taking enforcement action the NT WorkSafe inspector will clearly explain to the employer:
- the reason for taking such action on any notices issued
- any evidence on which the decision was based
- what should be done to comply with any notices
- where to find guidance on how to comply with any notices
- the due date on which any notices issued must have been complied with.
Inspector conduct
Inspectors are expected to deliver high quality and professional services:
- treating people with respect, dignity, and sensitivity in all circumstances
- interacting with people in a timely and efficient manner
- remaining professional and consistent in all their dealings
- undertaking activities without favouritism or discrimination
- explaining all decisions
- conducting all activities in accordance with the values outlined in the Northern Territory Public Sector Code of Conduct.
Complaints against inspectors
If you feel an inspector has not delivered a high quality, professional service, or you cannot reach a resolution of the problem, the issue can be referred to the inspector’s manager by calling 1800019115.
The manager will investigate your concerns promptly, and advise how they will be resolved. If your concerns are not resolved to your satisfaction after discussions with the manager, you can email ntworksafe@nt.gov.au or write to:
Work Health Authority
NT WorkSafe
GPO Box 1722
Darwin NT 0801