40 New Inspectors for Workplace Safety

NT WorkSafe Inspectors Prepare for 2021 Show Season

As the 2021 show circuit season approaches, NT WorkSafe inspectors from the Safety Assurance and Regulatory Compliance teams will begin a month-long campaign to engage with engineers and ride operators. Their goal is to advise proactively, monitor, inspect and, where necessary, direct compliance across the circuit.

Starting in Alice Springs, the show circuit ranks among the Northern Territory's main mid-year events, with many families looking forward to its return following last year's cancellation due to COVID-19.

NT WorkSafe inspectors will audit amusement ride logbooks to confirm appropriate maintenance work has occurred as required by work health and safety laws, and that a qualified engineer has inspected each ride.

Operator Responsibilities and Worker Training

Amusement ride operators carry responsibility for ensuring rides remain safe to use, with effective service and maintenance schedules followed consistently. Operators must also train workers to run rides safely while providing a secure system of work, similar to expectations outlined in our guide on who is responsible for workplace safety and health.

Information has been distributed to show societies for stallholders regarding compliance with relevant Australian Standards for electrical and gas setups at stalls, which inspectors will check during the campaign.

Acting Manager WHS Regulatory Compliance Maria Rigas said, "Anyone attending a show with safety concerns about a ride can contact us on 1800 019 115 to make a complaint."

Read the full media release on the NT WorkSafe website.

40 New Inspectors for Workplace Safety: NSW Leads the Way

Summary: NSW will recruit 40 new inspectors for workplace safety over the next 24 months, backed by $6.4 million in government funding. This expansion lifts SafeWork NSW's inspector ratio to align with international benchmarks, strengthening safety management across the state.

Recruitment will commence immediately for new inspectors joining SafeWork NSW, following the allocation of $6.4 million in funding towards the NSW Government's ongoing work reducing workplace injury and fatality rates statewide.

Why NSW Is Expanding Its Inspector Workforce

Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said the funding would add 40 new inspectors to the existing 330-strong team, lifting the NSW ratio to one inspector for every 10,000 workers. This move aligns NSW with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) benchmark, placing it ahead of jurisdictions including Victoria and Queensland.

The role of SafeWork inspectors involves helping businesses implement correct safety measures, offering advice, and enforcing compliance with legislation while issuing fines and penalties where risks arise, consistent with the national triage model. Inspectors made 40,297 proactive and reactive visits and issued 8,504 improvement notices, plus 448 penalty notices this financial year.

• 40 new inspectors added to SafeWork NSW's regulatory team
• $6.4 million in government funding allocated over 24 months
• One inspector per 10,000 workers, matching ILO benchmark standards
• 8,504 improvement notices and 448 penalty notices issued this financial year

Government Commentary on Workplace Health Outcomes

"These efforts make a real difference when it comes to our safety at work. Under this Government, workplace fatalities have reduced by 25 per cent, and injuries are almost 30 per cent down over the last ten years," Mr Anderson said.

This investment reflects a broader policy shift toward proactive safety management, recognising that psychosocial hazards and physical risks both demand skilled oversight. Strong safety management practices, paired with clear policy direction, give employers and workers confidence that health outcomes remain a genuine priority for SafeWork NSW.

Businesses seeking practical guidance on building robust systems can explore our collaborative risk management resources for workplace safety, or review our Workplace Health and Safety Show coverage for further context on industry trends.

Read the full article on the SafeWork NSW website.