A state-wide rollout of body-worn video (BWV) to deter violence or aggression against SafeWork NSW inspectors has begun.
The ‘Enhancing our Safety, Enhances Yours’ campaign will see inspectors given additional safeguards in the form of body worn video cameras. They can be activated if the Inspector considers they or another person are at significant risk of harm, or they feel at risk of experiencing aggression or violence.
The Government says violence and aggression against SafeWork Inspectors have increased in recent years. There are currently 179 active employer entities flagged for caution, meaning there has been unacceptable behaviours towards Inspectors from these individuals, with several matters under active investigation.
“SafeWork NSW will not tolerate violence and aggression towards our Inspectors,” said Head of SafeWork, Trent Curtin.
“Everyone has a right to feel safe and secure in their workplace and this is an important safety measure recognising the risks our Inspectors take each day as they carry out essential workplace safety compliance duties across NSW.
“The trend in increasing aggression on our inspectors is unacceptable and we are taking action.”
The BWV will act as a deterrent to inappropriate behaviour and assist prosecuting any alleged offences against SafeWork inspectors in the course of their duty, said SafeWork NSW Manager Risk, Assurance & Reviewable Decisions, Maree Davidson.
“Body Worn Cameras are an extra safety tool that provides a level of deterrence in preventing violence and aggression. It can also be used in legal proceedings if required,” said Ms Davidson.
“Having Inspectors who feel safe and supported when undertaking their duties in making workplaces safer for all workers in NSW is the goal and Body Worn Cameras help us achieve this.”
Under section 190 of the Work Health Safety Act, it is an offence to assault, threaten or intimidate an SafeWork Inspector, with a maximum penalty of over $70,000 or two years imprisonment for an individual, and almost $400,000 for a body corporate.
“The NSW Government has a zero-tolerance approach to violence and aggression in workplaces,” said Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis.
“Body worn video for SafeWork inspectors further demonstrate the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to continuing to improve workplace safety.
“It is a fundamental right of every worker to go to work and come home safely to their loved ones.”
All SafeWork NSW inspectors are being trained in the use of BWV and the handling of evidence and will be fitted with the cameras over coming months.
“SafeWork NSW Inspectors make sure mums and dads come home safe from work each night, but too often they’re harassed, threatened and even assaulted on worksite visits,” said Public Service Association of NSW General Secretary, Stewart Little.
“This body-worn camera technology will deter violence and aggression directed towards our members, and double as evidence gathering tool as they go about their duties keeping us all safe at work.
“The Public Service Association has been campaigning for this for many years and it’s great to see Minister Cotsis take the safety of our members so seriously.”
For more BWV information, visit the SafeWork NSW website.
