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This blog is based on a webinar we ran earlier this year. You can get access to the recording here.

A visit from a safety regulator can make even the most experienced builder a little nervous. But as HazardCo’s Senior Health and Safety Advisor, Glenn Smith, shared in a recent webinar, these visits are not always about catching people out, they’re about ensuring everyone goes home safe at the end of the day.

Why Regulators Visit

Regulators such as WorkSafe or SafeWork might visit your site for several reasons:

• Routine inspections as part of general compliance checks
• Follow-ups after incidents or previous visits
• Complaints from the public or nearby residents
• Or even random drive-bys if a site appears unsafe

“Sometimes they’re just checking in, other times they’re responding to a concern,” Glenn explains. “But they’re not out to get you – they just want to make sure people are working safely.”

What To Do When They Arrive

First rule: don’t panic. Always welcome the inspector onto your site politely and check their ID to confirm who they are. Regulators are usually easy to identify with branded uniforms, badges, and vehicles.

Be open and cooperative. “Don’t drop your hammer and bolt, they’re just doing their job,” Glenn says. Provide the documents they ask for, such as your SWMS, safety plans, induction records, and toolbox meeting notes.

Being organised makes a great first impression. Inspectors are far more comfortable when they can see your systems are in order. Having everything stored digitally, such as in the HazardCo App, can make this process fast and stress-free.

Want to know more?

To find out the common mistakes to avoid and how to be inspection ready all year round, watch the webinar recording.

If you’re after more information about what to expect when your worksite is inspected by WorkSafe/SafeWork, check out this blog.