I was reading the August edition of Safeguard magazine and noted that a person was fined a total of $12,000 on two charges: obstructing WorkSafe inspectors and failing to provide a statement at an interview required by WorkSafe.

WorkSafe inspectors may visit any site at any time. Usually, they will make an appointment, but not necessarily. Their visits may appear quite random; they often visit the same site frequently, although they provide a positive report each time.

Under section 168 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, any inspector may, at a reasonable time, They require the PCBU or person in charge to provide information and allow them access.

You are within your rights to, and should, ask to see their warrant card, Section 179 of the Health and

Safety at Work Act 2015 states that a person must not, without reasonable cause, hinder or obstruct an inspector. Section 209 states that it is an offence to give false or misleading information. Each of these can attract a fine up to $10,000 foran individual.

Generally, WorkSafe inspectors will visit to confirm that the workplace is complying with the act. They may issue provisional improvement notices (PINs) or prohibition notices if they are unhappy with the outcome.

Generally, WorkSafe inspectors will visit to confirm thatthe workplace is complying with the act. They may issueprovisional improvement notices (PINs) or prohibition notices if they are unhappy with the outcome.

A PIN requires some corrective action to be taken. WorkSafe will want to before lifting the PIN.

A prohibition notice prohibits the use of the item or items included in the notice. WorkSafe must approve corrective actions and lift the notice before the item or items can be used.