Recruitment
WorkSafe generally recruits twice yearly.
All inspector vacancies are advertised in The West Australian newspaper and on www.jobs.wa.gov.au. Job packages giving comprehensive application information may be downloaded from this site, or sent out by telephoning the number nominated in the advertisement.
As part of the recruitment process, an occupational personality questionnaire and medical assessment will form part of the selection process.
WorkSafe encourages people, of all ages and backgrounds, interested in making a positive contribution to maintaining safe and healthy workplaces to apply for inspector positions.
Inspectors are allocated to industry based teams covering Western Australian workplaces, except the mining sector and Commonwealth agencies.
WorkSafe inspectors are based in West Perth, Albany, Bunbury, Geraldton, Karratha and Broome.
The Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer and offers flexible working arrangements.
Essential skills and experience
Prospective inspectors applying for positions should possess a range of skills necessary to perform the role. These skills include but are not limited to:
- Well developed interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
- Proven ability to organise your workload
- Ability to work unsupervised
- Proven analytical and problem solving skills
- Demonstrated record of commitment, knowledge and application of OSH legislation
- Relevant industry experience
- ‘C’ Class Driver’s Licence
Industry Experience
WorkSafe seeks motivated people with relevant industry and occupational safety and health experience. Direct experience in occupational safety and health may have been gained from a variety of workplace positions, including:
- Safety manager
- Safety and health representative or committee member
- Rehabilitation officer
- Law enforcement/Compliance officer
- Trade and industry experience
- Occupational nurse
Qualifications
The following tertiary qualifications are viewed favourably. Typical qualifications held by current inspectors include:
- Certificate IV in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
- Diploma in OSH
- Graduate Diploma in OSH
- University Degree in OSH or related field
Scientific officers and specialised inspectors must hold university qualifications relevant to their technical area.
Inspector induction program
WorkSafe has an inspector induction program to assist new inspectors. New inspectors complete a Certificate IV in Government (Statutory Compliance) and are linked with experienced and qualified inspectors for mentoring and on the job coaching.
The training covers occupational safety and health legislation, codes of practice, departmental policies, procedures and practical sessions.
Following successful completion of the 6 months probationary induction and coaching period, new inspectors attain permanent appointment. This applies to permanent positions.
Career progression
Career progression is a career pathway which allows for new inspectors to start at a level commensurate with their skills and knowledge and advance to a higher level based on attaining additional competencies.
The career pathway provides for advancement at a pace relative to individual capabilities, based on formal assessment by an assessment panel against the nationally recognised competencies in the Diploma of Government (Workplace Investigation) and a satisfactory Performance Review and Development Report.
More information
The WorkSafe website www.worksafe.wa.gov.au provides additional information about WorkSafe and the role of inspectors for consideration.
Alternatively, you can contact the Operational Directors:
Chris Kirwin
Director - Construction, Regional & Primary Industries
Department of Commerce - WorkSafe Division
WestCentre Building
5th Floor, 1260 Hay Street West Perth WA 6005
(08) 9327 8675
ckirwin@commerce.wa.gov.au
John Innes
Director - Heath Hazards & Plant Safety
Department of Commerce - WorkSafe Division
WestCentre Building
5th Floor, 1260 Hay Street West Perth WA 6005
(08) 9327 8601
jinnes@commerce.wa.gov.au
Joe Attard
Director - Manufacturing, Transport & Services Industries
Department of Commerce- WorkSafe Division
WestCentre Building
5th Floor, 1260 Hay Street West Perth WA 6005
(08) 9327 8660
jattard@commerce.wa.gov.au