SafeWork SA prioritises compliance, education in 2020

SafeWork SA’s Annual Activity Report 2019–20 has been tabled in State Parliament. The report outlines a year of change, with SafeWork SA adapting its workplaces and functions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to continue with education and compliance activities. While all non-essential site visits were postponed to reduce face-to-face interactions, SafeWork SA inspectors continued to respond to matters involving serious incidents or fatalities.

SafeWork SA was also successful in securing a conviction against an individual for workplace bullying and finalised 93% of complaints and notifications within six months. This marks a 4% increase from 2019, reflecting ongoing improvement across the organisation.

SafeWork SA also completed 16 of the 39 recommendations from the ICAC Evaluation Report. One further recommendation that includes multiple components has also been partially completed. Following two years of change, SafeWork SA is moving into 2020–21 with plans to continue discussions with Safe Work Australia to ensure laws are current and create safe workplaces for all.

“This has been a complex process embedding change, new systems and process improvement,” said Martyn Campbell, Executive Director of SafeWork SA.

Work has also been undertaken to expand SafeWork SA’s digital channels to ensure workers and employees can quickly access the information and guidance material they need. SafeWork SA’s Advisory Service will also continue to provide free advice in person or over the phone to help South Australian businesses comply with health and safety obligations. The Advisory Service answered 45,000 enquiries and processed 33,000 licence applications during the 2019–20 financial year.

“Our organisational structure was finalised and we have focused on strengthening and improving the capability of our inspectorate. We now have continuity of our Executive team until 2023, which will help ensure this momentum continues and remains a key focus,” Campbell said.

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