WHS entry permits

A Work Health and Safety (WHS) entry permit is a permit card with photo identification that allows a union official to enter a workplace to inquire about a suspected breach of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA).

An application for a WHS entry permit is made by the relevant union to SAET.

SAET supplies the permits, revokes permits and deals with disputes about rights of entry.

If SAET is satisfied that grounds exist for revoking a WHS entry permit, it will issue a “show cause” notice to the permit holder. If SAET considers it appropriate the WHS entry permit will be suspended until the revocation application is resolved.

WHS right of entry disputes

Firstly any party to the dispute may ask the regulator to appoint an inspector to attend the workplace to assist in resolving the dispute. If there is a dispute about a right of entry an application to SAET can be made by the permit holder, the union, the regulator, the business owner, the person who requested the WHS entry permit holder to visit the work site, or any other person affected by the WHS issue.

What do I need to do?

To apply for a WHS entry permit you must be a union official. You will need to provide a statutory declaration (included in the ‘Application for permit’ form below) and a photograph. The photograph must be a colour passport photo less than six months old with the name of the applicant on the back.

WHS permits expire three years from the date of issue. Permits should be returned to the Registrar within 14 days of expiry, revocation or suspension.

To revoke a WHS entry permit you must apply to SAET. Applications to revoke a WHS entry permit can be made by the regulator, the business owner, the person who requested the WHS entry permit holder to visit the work site, or any other person affected by the WHS issue.

Form(s)

Please obtain the relevant form(s) via the SAET Forms page. 

Is there a cost?

No

Where can I find more information?

For more information, please see the register of all permit holders under the Work Health & Safety Act.