WORK safety inspectors will issue on-the-spot fines to employers for a range of workplace safety breaches instead of sending the cases to the Magistrate’s Court.

On-the-spot fines will apply for:

•  not notifying WorkSafe ACT of notifiable incidents;
•  not providing first-aid equipment;
• not providing personal protective equipment;
• not providing training and instruction on the use of personal protective equipment;
• not preparing a safe work method statement for high risk construction work;
• not ensuring work is carried out in accordance with a safe work method statement;
• not stopping work if the work is not being carried out in accordance with the safe work method statement;
• not minimising the risk of collapse of trenches;
• not preparing a work health and safety management plan; and,
• not ensuring a worker has undergone construction induction training.

Issuing fines on the spot will mean such offences are dealt with more quickly, according to ACT Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations, Simon Corbell.

“All of these breaches are already offences, but until 1 July 2013 these matters would need to be prosecuted in the Magistrates Court,” Mr Corbell says. “By enabling Worksafe inspectors to issue ‘on the spot fines’, I am ensuring these matters are dealt with immediately.

“Any person who disputes an infringement notice could still choose to go to Court instead of paying the fine.”