What Labour Inspectors May Assess
Understanding what the Department of Employment and Labour may request during an inspection can help employers identify compliance gaps before they become enforcement issues.
Workplace Compliance Assessment
Inspectors may examine workplace activities, identify potential hazards and assess whether appropriate risk control measures have been implemented. Relevant workplace risk assessments may also be requested.
Health & Safety Documentation
Relevant OHS records may include Health and Safety policies, risk assessments, legal appointment letters, inspection registers, safe operating procedures and other supporting documentation.
Employee Training & Competency
Inspectors may assess whether employees have received appropriate instruction, training and information relevant to their duties and workplace hazards.
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency procedures, Evacuation Plans, Evacuation arrangements, Fire Safety measures, Emergency equipment and designated responsibilities may be examined.
Contractor Compliance
Where contractors operate on the premises, inspectors may examine relevant contractor safety arrangements, documentation and the management of workplace risks.
Corrective Action Requirements
Inspectors may examine how identified health and safety shortcomings are addressed and whether appropriate corrective measures have been implemented.
Common Department of Employment and Labour Findings
Many businesses only become aware of compliance gaps when a Department of Employment and Labour Inspector conducts an inspection. Some of the most common findings include:
Missing or Inadequate Risk Assessments
Risk assessments are not available, workplace hazards have not been adequately identified, assessed or addressed through appropriate control measures.
Incomplete Legal Appointments
Required appointments or internal workplace designations are missing, outdated or do not clearly define responsibilities.
Lack of Employee Training Records
Businesses cannot demonstrate that employees have received relevant health and safety instruction or training.
Missing Health & Safety Policies
Required workplace policies, procedures or supporting OHS documentation are absent or inadequate.
Inadequate Emergency Preparedness
Emergency procedures, evacuation arrangements, emergency equipment or designated responsibilities require attention.
Unsafe Workplace Conditions
Workplace hazards, unsafe practices, inadequate controls or poorly maintained equipment may expose employees to unnecessary risks.
Outdated Health & Safety Documentation
Existing risk assessments, appointment letters, procedures and other records no longer reflect current workplace activities or responsibilities.
When the Department of Labour Visits
What Should You Do When the Department of Employment and Labour Visits Your Workplace?
A Department of Employment and Labour inspection does not need to be stressful if your business is prepared.
Labour Inspectors may visit your workplace to assess compliance, inspect work areas and review health and safety documentation. When an inspector arrives, verify their identification, notify the responsible manager or Section 16 Appointee, and cooperate throughout the inspection. Be prepared to provide documents such as your Health & Safety Policy, Risk Assessments, Legal Appointments, Training Records, Incident Registers, Inspection Records and Emergency Procedures.
Where possible, ensure a competent person accompanies the inspector to answer questions and provide relevant information.
Take notes of any observations, recommendations or compliance concerns raised during the visit.
If deficiencies are identified, be honest, request clarification where necessary and ensure you understand the required corrective actions and timeframes. The best way to manage a labour inspection is to prepare before it happens through regular Health & Safety Audits, Risk Assessments and compliance reviews. A proactive approach helps identify and correct compliance gaps before they become enforcement issues.
Department of Employment and Labour Inspection Do's and Don'ts
What You Should Do
- Request to see the inspector's identification and proof of appointment.
- Notify the responsible management representative.
- Cooperate with lawful inspection activities.
- Make relevant OHS documentation available when requested.
- Answer questions accurately and provide relevant information.
- Record any identified concerns, instructions or notices.
- Take note of corrective action requirements and applicable deadlines.
What You Should Avoid
- Obstructing or interfering with the inspector's lawful functions.
- Providing inaccurate or misleading information.
- Concealing relevant documentation or workplace conditions.
- Ignoring written directions or prohibition notices.
- Continuing activities that have been lawfully prohibited.
After the Inspection
Review any findings or written notices received, identify the corrective actions required and ensure that responsible persons are assigned to address them within the applicable timeframes.
If your business receives an inspection notice or compliance instruction, contact SafetySolve for professional guidance on understanding the requirements and addressing the identified issues.
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