WHO CHECKS THE INVESTIGATORS? QUESTIONS OVER THE QUALITY OF WORKSAFE WA INVESTIGATIONS

WorkSafe WA expects employers to properly investigate serious workplace incidents. But who makes sure WorkSafe's own investigations are done properly?

A review of public records by WA in Focus shows the regulator has previously faced criticism over poor documentation, inconsistent practices, transparency issues and investigator capability.

WHAT THE AUDITOR GENERAL FOUND

In one audit, the WA Auditor General reviewed 20 WorkSafe matters recorded as involving onsite inspections.

It found:

• No photographs or other recorded evidence supporting inspectors' findings in any of the 20 sampled matters;

• Insufficient documentation in four cases to even demonstrate an onsite visit had occurred; and

• Poor recordkeeping that limited assurance over the effectiveness of regulatory activity.

If an investigation reaches a conclusion, the evidence supporting that conclusion should be clear and capable of scrutiny.

A major parliamentary inquiry into WorkSafe also previously identified serious concerns around transparency and complaint handling, describing a "culture of non disclosure" and recommending clearer processes for communicating outcomes and recording interactions with complainants.

More recent independent reviews have also raised concerns about training, capability and the need for stronger investigation practices in parts of WorkSafe.

WHAT AN INVESTIGATION INVOLVES

WorkSafe itself says its investigations may involve:

🔎 inspecting incident scenes

🔎 obtaining documents and electronic evidence

🔎 interviewing witnesses

🔎 interviewing employers or businesses

🔎 engaging experts

🔎 seizing evidence where necessary

THE QUESTION

That sounds appropriate, but the question is:

How often is the quality of those investigations independently checked?

WorkSafe holds employers to account when workplace investigations fall short. The public is entitled to ask whether the regulator holds itself to the same standard.

WA in Focus will be sending a formal series of questions to WorkSafe WA seeking further information about the quality, oversight and review of its investigations.

HELP SHAPE THE QUESTIONS

We'll review the questions submitted and include relevant ones in our request to the regulator.

This is your opportunity to help shape the questions being put directly to WorkSafe.

What do you want answered?

#WAinFocus #WorkSafeWA #WorkplaceSafety #Accountability #WesternAustralia