SafeWork introduces body worn video cameras to mitigate violence and aggression in the workplace

The NSW Government has launched a state-wide distribution of body worn video (BWV) to discourage violent and aggressive conduct directed at SafeWork inspectors.

According to the NSW Government, inspectors play a crucial role in assisting workplaces in upholding safety standards; however, they are not always received positively on worksites. Moreover, they may encounter hazardous conditions while involving personnel and job sites, especially in distant and isolated regions.

The initiative titled "Enhancing our Safety, Enhances Yours" will provide inspectors with extra protections through the use of body-worn video cameras.

The cameras may be activated if the inspector believes they or someone else is in substantial danger of harm, or if they sense a risk of facing aggression or violence.

Head of SafeWork Trent Curtin said the safety agency will not accept any form of violence directed at their inspectors.

“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,” he said.

Additional information is available on the SafeWork NSW website.