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Summary

Objective and Scope

In 2010, we audited systems the Department of Human Services used to promote, monitor, enforce and report on its occupational health and safety goals and objectives. We made five recommendations to the Department (formerly the Department of Employment and Immigration) in our April 2010 Report (starting at page 31).

This year, we conducted follow-up work to assess the Department’s progress in implementing our recommendations to:

  • promote and enforce compliance with the law by high-risk employers and workers
  • improve planning and reporting systems for OHS
  • strengthen its proactive inspection program
  • improve its systems to issue Certificates of Recognition (COR)
  • strengthen the legislated permit and certificate program

Conclusion

The Department has fully implemented two of five recommendations. It strengthened its inspection program by analyzing employer safety data to identify, select and inspect worksites and employers within high-risk sectors. It also incorporated evening and weekend inspections. The Department strengthened and improved controls over its legislated permit and certificate programs by implementing a new system and policies for issuing asbestos certificates. It also improved processes for reviewing and monitoring external agencies.