The McGowan Government has created six new WorkSafe inspector roles to help improve safety at Western Australian work sites.
This will lift the total number of inspectors from 93 to 99 - a stark contrast to the direction in inspector numbers imposed by the former government.
Four of the new inspectors commenced within the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety in February 2019; the remaining two will commence in mid-2019.
The additional inspectors will assist with:
- Improving the timeliness of investigations and requests to attend;
- The availability of inspector resources in regional Western Australia; and
- Providing support and recognition to the rise in complex psychosocial matters being referred to the department, and the increasing community focus on mental health in the workplace.
As stated by Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston:
"This initiative confirms the McGowan Government's commitment to prioritising the safety and health of workers in Western Australia.
"I'm pleased to announce that once all the inspectors are trained and ready, it's expected WorkSafe services and investigative resources will improve.
"It's disappointing the Barnett Liberal National Government cut the number of WorkSafe inspectors, the McGowan Government, once again, is acting to address one of its poor decisions.
"There's always more to be done, but I'm pleased these extra resources have been made available."
