Labour inspectors have a range of duties aimed at ensuring safe, fair, and legal working conditions for employees. Their main functions include enforcing labour laws, providing guidance, and identifying workplace violations or risks[1][5][6].
- Advise and educate: Labour inspectors inform both employers and employees about their legal rights and obligations under relevant labour acts and regulations. They provide technical guidance, explain laws, and advise on compliance measures. This duty also extends to self-employed individuals and workers not covered by formal contracts, especially for workplace safety and health matters[1][2][6].
- Inspect and monitor compliance: Inspectors conduct both routine and surprise visits to workplaces to observe working conditions, examine records, and interview employees and employers. They check for adherence to labour standards related to wages, working hours, occupational safety, health regulations, and the employment of children or young persons[3][5][6][7].
- Investigate violations: When suspected non-compliance arises, inspectors investigate, gather evidence, and have the power to recommend penalties, including fines or legal action, against employers found in violation of labour laws[3][4].
- Enforcement actions: They can enforce requirements such as the posting of statutory notices in workplaces (for example, on safety rules, minimum wages), issue stop-work orders or fines for breaches, and ensure employers display these notices prominently[1][4].
- Reporting: Labour inspectors report to their supervisors or relevant authorities on the outcomes of their inspections, highlight problems or gaps in regulations, and bring to notice defects or abuses not specifically addressed by current laws[1][6].
- Promote health and safety: Inspectors play a critical role in identifying potential hazards, examining machinery for compliance, ensuring the availability of protective equipment, and suggesting workplace improvements. They promote employee consultation on safety matters and recommend training or procedural changes to prevent accidents or injuries[2][4].
References
- [1] Handbook for Labour Officer and Labour Inspector – MoICE
- [2] Health & Safety Inspector Roles in Workplace Safety | ACT
- [3] The Role of Labour Inspectors in Enforcing Employment Laws
- [4] FAQ: What Is the Health and Safety Inspector’s Role in the Workplace?
- [5] A study on labour inspectors’ careers
- [6] LABOur INSpECTION
- [7] Guidelines on general principles of labour inspection
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