WorkSafe ACT identification scams

Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe has warned business owners and construction companies about people visiting construction sites or phoning, passing themselves off as WorkSafe ACT inspectors.

McCabe said there had been reports of people making demands that could be scams to make money: “In one case, a person focused on the wearing of hard hats. The person claimed that many hard hats being worn at a worksite were out of date and advised that fines would be issued.

“While hard hats have a use-by date, and compliance with AS/NZS 1800 should be followed, the person may have been attempting to ‘scam’ money from the workers by appearing to be confident about his knowledge of occupational health and safety laws and threatening fines.

“Other reports relate to a person calling business owners and informing them that, due to changes in occupational health and safety legislation, new display requirements apply and business owners are required to purchase a poster valued at $49 to comply with the new laws.

“This is a scam and I am aware that it is also operating in other parts of Australia. Unfortunately, scams are prevalent in society, and WorkSafe ACT is not immune from being targeted.”

McCabe recommends that people ask to see photographic identification of those who visit their worksites or premises and to take precautions when people call them claiming to be from WorkCover or WorkSafe.

“Any worker who is approached by anyone purporting to be from WorkSafe or WorkCover should ask the person’s name, ask to see photographic identification and, if at all suspicious about their identity, call WorkSafe on (02) 6207 3000 to verify the legitimacy of the person and the reason for their visit,” he said. “Regardless of any other proof of identification a person may have, be aware that WorkSafe inspectors are obliged to carry photographic identity cards.”