WorkSafe Victoria has welcomed its latest batch of budding OHS inspectors.

Sixteen new recruits have started a fourteen-week training course.

They come from backgrounds in some of Australia’s most dangerous industries,

The new recruits were chosen from among 500 applicants and will be joining WorkSafe’s inspectorate after their graduation.

WorkSafe’s Executive Director of Health and Safety, Len Neist, said that the new recruits will have significant contribution to work health and safety.

“The recruits have backgrounds in transport and logistics, police and emergency services, construction, engineering and manufacturing, to name a few,” said Mr Neist.

“Just as importantly, they’re all passionate about improving health and safety outcomes in Victorian workplaces.”

A former paramedic who now will be joining WorkSafe, said that her experience in responding to workplace incidents led to her desire to join the inspectorate.

“I’ve worked in the healthcare industry for the past ten years and have seen both the immediate and long term effects workplace injuries can have on people’s lives. I decided I’d like to be involved in preventing these incidents from occurring,” said Ms Janssen.

“I hope that my experience can help me convey to businesses the importance of making sure their workers get home safely.”

The course covers all significant OHS acts and regulations, including manual handling, falls prevention, forklift safety, hazardous substances and psychosocial hazards.

“We’ll be outlining what the new recruits are learning about each week and providing tips for businesses on how they can ensure their workplace is safe and compliant,” said Mr Neist.

“It’s a great way for the community to get a snapshot of what our inspectors look for in a workplace visit, as well as an opportunity for businesses to identify health and safety improvements in their workplace.”

The safety authority will plot their progress on its Twitter page, accessible here.