Becoming a WorkSafe Inspector

WorkSafe’s Health and Safety Inspectors have a vital role in ensuring that workplaces meet their occupational health and safety (OHS) obligations. They assist and advise employers, supervisors and workers on how to make workplaces safe and undertake enforcement action to make sure health and safety laws are complied with. They also assist Health and Safety Representatives in their role of representing workers on OHS issues.

Health and Safety Inspectors are based at 12 WorkSafe offices across Victoria and work in one of four broad Industry Programs:

• Construction and Utilities
• Manufacturing, Logistics and Agriculture
• Public Sector and Community Services
• Major Hazards Facilities

To become an Inspector, you need to demonstrate that you have the following experience, skills and qualifications:

Experience
Typically, Inspectors have worked in a variety of workplaces and have a good understanding of the Victorian OHS legislation. Practical experience in implementing OHS legislation may have been gained in a variety of roles including:

• Safety Manager
• Health & Safety Representative
• OHS Nurse
• Member of an OHS Committee
• Safety Consultant
• Return to Work Co-ordinator

Skills
Potential Inspectors will possess the following skills:

• Sound knowledge/experience of the current OHS legislation in Victoria
• Ability to identify key issues and resolve problems
• Excellent communication skills and ability to educate others
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills
• Information gathering / Investigative skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to manage own time effectively and work independently
• Resilience in adverse situations
• Adaptability to change
• Computer skills (Inspectors use a laptop computer to issue notices and directions)
• Hold a current Victorian driver’s licence

Qualifications:
Tertiary qualifications in OHS are not mandatory, but will be viewed very favourably. Typical qualifications held by current Inspectors include:

• Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
• Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety
• Graduate Diploma in Occupational Hazard Management

Applications
WorkSafe Victoria usually advertises for Inspectors once a year in major metropolitan and regional newspapers and online. Selection is extremely competitive. Successful candidates undergo a comprehensive induction program and are placed on probation for six months after their initial training.

Applications must be in the following format:

• Cover letter
• Resume (including names and contact details of two referees)
• Application form as attached to the position advertisement under View Current Job Vacancies on the WorkSafe website