In South Australia, Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) inspectors will now wear body cameras while performing their duties. This decision is aimed at promoting safe and respectful interactions, facilitating investigations of complaints, ensuring transparency, and improving accountability from all sides.
The idea to use these cameras came from a 2018 evaluation of SafeWork SA's practices by the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption. SafeWork had previously expressed its intention to use these cameras in its 2018-19 activity report.
According to SafeWork the cameras will help inspectors monitor compliance, enhance their personal safety by encouraging civil interactions, and improve their ability to investigate incidents.
Using body cameras aligns SafeWork with other investigative agencies and is intended to enhance the availability of evidence collected by inspectors. The Northern Territory has also recently announced a trial of body-worn cameras for its WHS inspectors.
It is not yet known if WorkSafe Victoria intends to follow suit.