Work Cover Authority of New South Wales - Powers and Responsibilities

Powers and Responsibilities

The WorkCover Authority of New South Wales ('workcover') primarily administers New South Wales Work health and safety law, including the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Workers Compensation Act 1987. In doing this, WorkCover prepares codes of practice for particular industries, and investigates reports of unsafe practices in particular workplaces.

In investigating complaints of poor occupational health and safety practices, inspectors from WorkCover are granted significant powers, including forcibly entering places of work, taking objects, and requiring information from people in charge of particular places of work. Once an investigation has concluded, WorkCover may require employers to improve their occupational health and safety practices, or refrain from authorising certain work.