(1)

(a) As at 9 April 2020, 14 inspections have been conducted in relation to COVID-19.

(b) nil COVID-19 related inspections for same period in 2019.

(c) SafeWork NSW's focus has been to avoid circumstances where Inspectors could be placed at risk of infection. As such additional job triaging processes have been put in place to minimise the need for workplace visits. Where visits are undertaken pre-attendance risk assessments are undertaken by the Inspector and Manager to ensure that it is safe to proceed with a site visit. Where possible alternate response options are being applied including telephone, video link, email or administrative responses. Inspectors have been briefed on the need to maintain social distancing and personal hygiene practices. All low risk or non-essential matters have been cancelled i.e. industry presentations. SafeWork NSW Inspectors have access to P2 Masks, latex gloves and protective eyewear as part of their general equipment. In addition to this standard PPE, Inspectors have been pre-authorised to purchase hand sanitiser/soap and other personal cleaning equipment as needed. Further to this additional cleaning products and PPE are available through the Department of Customer Service Procurement Team to ensure inspectors remain well equipped with supplies.

(d) As at 9 April 2020, 24 notices were issued in relation to COVID-19.

(e) 2.

(f) nil.

(2) NSW Health is the lead agency and has the most reliable data set of COVID-19 cases. SafeWork NSW has received 58 reports of confirmed cases, however, it does not follow that the confirmed cases were work related.

(a) SafeWork NSW is unable to provide these details due to the confidentially provisions of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. The Chief Health Officer, NSW Health provides details of the location of COVID-19 cases.

(b) No, SafeWork NSW's focus has been to avoid circumstances where Inspectors could be placed at risk of infection. As such additional job triaging processes have been put in place to minimise the need for workplace visits. Where visits are undertaken pre-attendance risk assessments are undertaken by the Inspector and Manager to ensure that it is safe to proceed with a site visit. Where possible alternate response options are being applied including telephone, facetime, email or administrative responses.

(i) see 2(b) above.

(ii) Each request for service and incident report is triaged based on risk and accordingly a graduated response is implemented. Given the current COVID-19 situation, SafeWork NSW has a Statement of Regulatory Intent and the responses to workplaces has been adjusted accordingly. SafeWork NSW will endeavour where possible to address matters or requests remotely e.g. use of video conferencing, Skype, telephone contact.

(3) As at 9 April 2020 there were 308 inspectors and further 22 vacancies are being recruited.

(a) All SafeWork NSW (inspectors and clerical) are supporting the COVID-19 response.

(b) No Inspectors or clerical employees are dedicated only to COVID-19 related work.

(c) Inspectors, managers, directors and support staff.

(4) As at 8 April 2020, 252 Requests for Service were received.

(a) 32 received an Inspector Response.

(b) 14 resulted in an Inspector Visit.

(5) As at 31/3/20, SafeWork NSW had a total of 520 staff. The number does fluctuate in response to vacancies and succession planning for known retirements.

(a) See answer 3.

(b) as below and noting the number does fluctuate in response to vacancies and succession planning for known retirements.

(i) As at 31/12/2019, SafeWork NSW had a total of 519 staff (including 287 Inspectors).

(ii) As at 30/9/2019, SafeWork NSW had a total of 528 staff (including 293 Inspectors)

(iii) As at 30/6/2019, SafeWork NSW had a total of 534 staff (including 299 Inspectors).

(c) Safework offices remain open, however staff are encouraged to work from home wherever possible. Working from home is the preferred option, unless the role cannot be performed at home. Approximately 65 per cent of staff are working from home. This number is fluid due to the reactive nature of some regulatory work that must be undertaken within specified timeframes.

(i) These staff perform their normal duties, where possible, from their home and do not attend the office.