The first place to go is your union – even before you organise for an inspector to come to your workplace. Your union will give you information and assistance in OHS related matters.
Specifically with regard this matter, there are certain circumstances under the OHS Act (2004) when an inspector is required to attend a workplace. These are:
- If called by an employer within 7 days of receiving a PIN (s63);
- By either party when a rep orders a ceasework (s75); and
- To determine unresolved particulars in negotiations for designated work groups (s45)
However, inspectors are not required under the Act to attend a workplace to provide information and advice.
Remember, though, that an elected rep has the right, whenever necessary, to ‘seek the assistance of any person’ s58(1)(e). While this can be an inspector, it can also be a union OHS officer or organiser, a consultant or even another rep.
The first port of call in seeking assistance should be your union.