South Australia's workplace safety agency SafeWork SA operates in a "toxic" culture and is largely devoid of coherent, logical and structured policies, an investigation has found.
Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Bruce Lander has pointed to a range of problems within the agency which he says creates a working environment at serious risk of corruption, misconduct and maladministration.
"SafeWork SA is lost in a sea of overly convoluted, unnecessary and ineffective policies," Mr Lander said in his report tabled in state parliament on Thursday.
"There is a divide between the executive and inspectors.
"Practices and policies and procedures that should exist to address the real risks of corruption, misconduct and maladministration are missing.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"Staff are largely left to their own devices and oversight is poor.
"The agency has a very poor understanding of its own risks and operates in a culture described by many staff as 'toxic'."
The investigation into SafeWork SA was called after a number of failed prosecutions related to workplace deaths and other incidents.
The commissioner has made 39 recommendations including calls for safety inspectors to conduct more unannounced visits to worksites and for two inspectors to attend each site.
They should also use body-worn cameras during inspections and be required to report any offers of gifts or benefits.
The commissioner has also recommended SafeWork SA develop a strategic plan and governance framework.
He noted that the current executive had a genuine desire to transform the agency but suggested such change would take time.
"Based upon my observations during the course of this evaluation, SafeWork SA has a long road ahead in order to re-establish itself as an effective, high-calibre, agency," Mr Lander said.
"For some time to come much of its attention will need to be inward-looking in order to correct a range of defects in its operations and administration."
Treasurer Rob Lucas said the problems with SafeWork SA were another example of the mess left behind by the previous Labor government.
"It's a crying shame that this agency has been allowed to descend into such dysfunction," he said.
