Photo: SafeWork SA Website
SafeWork SA has announced that beginning on 4 September 2023 their inspectors will begin wearing body cameras during worksite visits. SafeWork SA have advised the South Australian Business Chamber that the cameras will be used when responding to the most serious of matters, such as a fatality or serious injury, and when inspectors are appointed to resolve a dispute.
The cameras record video and audio, and are intended to support the safety of inspectors to investigate complaints and resolve disputes more quickly.
This comes after a three-month trial in 2020 and was also a recommendation in last year’s Independent Review of SafeWork SA. The cameras will be worn on inspectors’ uniforms and will be clearly visible and inspectors will advise the persons being recorded.
If you don’t want to be recorded, inspectors will note and record your objection, however can lawfully continue recording. Private activities, such as private meetings between colleagues, will not be recorded. Footage cannot be shared with others unless required by law, but can also be sought via Freedom of Information applications.
What should employers do?
Understand that inspectors are legally allowed to wear body cameras and that the footage they capture is only to be used in dispute resolutions.
It’s important for you to be courteous to investigators and co-operate as best you can when they are undertaking site visits.
For more information on this or if you need WHS information, advice, or assistance, please call the South Australian Business Chamber on 8300 0000 (select option 1) or contact us on line here and one of our WHS experts will be in touch.
For more information visit here.
