In 2018 the South Australian Independent Commissioner Against Corruption conducted an evaluation of the practices, policies and procedures of the regulatory arm of SafeWork SA. The evaluation resulted in 39 recommendations, including recommendations that inspectors and investigators are provided with body worn cameras for use when attending workplaces.

The implementation of body worn cameras was recommended not as an indication that inspectors cannot be trusted, instead of a means of minimising the risks which are inherent in the role of an inspector.

This article discusses an evaluation of a trial of body worn cameras by inspectors and investigators.  The trial showed that there were benefits to implementing the use of body worn cameras including:

• protecting the safety of Inspectors and Investigators by reducing the likelihood of aggressive or inappropriate behaviour against them
• to manage and prevent regulatory grooming and capture behaviours.
• value in helping to reduce vexatious complaints and enabling complaints to be easily investigated and resolved by reviewing relevant footage.