Warning on bogus WorkSafe callers

GREATER Dandenong business operators have been urged to be wary of “cold callers’’ posing as WorkSafe officers.
WorkSafe’s executive director John Merritt said the phony officers were offering paid health and safety services on behalf of WorkSafe throughout the southeastern suburbs.
But he said the health and safety regulator had no commercial operations, nor did it endorse commercial operations, directly test equipment or conduct training.
“In recent weeks WorkSafe has received a variety of complaints about people touting for business, including claims that some sales people gave the strong impression that they were WorkSafe Victoria employees,” Mr Merritt said.
“WorkSafe inspectors carry identification cards showing their photograph and signature, the Victorian coat of arms and a contact number by which their credentials can be checked. It is a criminal offence to pose as a WorkSafe inspector.”
He said business operators throughout the southeast had been approached about having electrical testing and tagging done.
“One business operator told WorkSafe that a sales representative said he could be shut down if equipment was not tested,” Mr Merritt said.
In other complaints, business operators were told:
that the new OHS Act required them to have a trained first aid officer on site (untrue),
they would receive a letter saying that they complied with health and safety laws concerning signs (WorkSafe does not recognise such letters).
Mr Merritt said business people who doubted the credentials, services and advice provided by officers should contact WorkSafe.
“Consider what is needed, seek advice if necessary and determine whether what is offered represents value for money,” he said. “WorkSafe does not recognise certificates or similar documents from safety service suppliers that say a particular business complies with the health and safety laws.
“Notices issued by WorkSafe Victoria inspectors follow a visit to determine compliance with the law or the need to undertake safety improvement work,” Mr Merritt said. “It’s hard enough running a business without someone preying on your goodwill or lack of knowledge.
“Apart from leading to possibly unnecessary spending it undermines legitimate businesses doing their best to improve workplace safety. The old saying ‘let the buyer beware’ should always be at the front of mind when dealing with cold callers. They might be legitimate, but caution is essential.”
WorkSafe’s Advisory Service can be contacted on 18000 136 089.