WorkCover inspectors recruitment drive

A recruitment drive for new WorkCover inspectors has been announced by NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, John Della Bosca.

The new personnel will join the nation's largest workplace safety inspectorate and be drawn from a wide range of industry backgrounds.

"Over the years, WorkCover inspectors have been recruited from areas as diverse as electrical engineering, rehabilitation, warehousing, quarrying, industrial chemistry, manufacturing and policing," Della Bosca said.

"The successful applicants will enter WorkCover at a time when the organisation has a renewed focus on practical advice and assistance to employers to further improve workplace safety.

"NSW workplace injuries and fatalities are at their lowest levels in 18 years, but the Iemma government is committed to reducing them even further. With 313 personnel, the WorkCover inspectorate is Australia's largest, most active and highly trained workplace safety team.

"The NSW approach stands in contrast to the Howard government's Comcare system, which has only a few dozen inspectors for the entire nation. The Commonwealth doesn't take safety seriously and seems content to have an inspector visit a workplace only after a serious injury or fatality."

The successful candidates will spend 18 months participating in the nationally accredited Diploma of Government (Workplace Inspection) training program as part of their on-the-job training.