Celebrating the world’s oldest continuous worker-elected safety system
In May 2026, we mark 150 years since worker-elected safety Check Inspectors were first legislated in the NSW coal industry.
Since 1876, Check Inspectors have given coal mineworkers a powerful voice on safety. Elected by workers, grounded in mining experience, and backed by law, they remain one of the most important safety protections in the NSW and Queensland coal industries.
Today, they continue this proud tradition as Site Safety and Health Representatives and Industry Safety and Health Representatives.
Born from dangerous work
In the 19th century, coal mining in the Newcastle and Hunter Valley was tough, hazardous and often life-threatening.
Inspired by worker-elected Check Inspectors in Britain, early coal mining unions in the Hunter Valley campaigned for the same system in Australia. On 11 May 1876, NSW became the second jurisdiction in the world to legislate worker-elected Check Inspectors through the Coal Mines Regulation Act.
These experienced miners were elected by their workmates to inspect mines, raise safety concerns and act as an independent authority for workers. Crucially, they had the power to stop work where conditions were unsafe.
That power gave workers confidence to speak up and helped ensure safety decisions were not made without them.
A system shaped by struggle
As the coal industry grew, the Check Inspector system grew with it.
Major disasters, including Bulli and Bellbird, showed the need for independent, experienced safety representatives with the ability to inspect across multiple sites.
Over time, District Check Inspectors evolved into today’s Industry Safety and Health Representatives: highly trained statutory role-holders with recognised powers in inspections, investigations and enforcement.
What is a Check Inspector?
A Check Inspector, or “Checkie”, is a worker-elected safety representative in the coal mining industry.
Today, this role continues through:
Site Safety and Health Representatives, who are elected at mine sites and focus on day-to-day safety issues, hazards and inspections.
Industry Safety and Health Representatives, who work across the industry, providing independent oversight, mentoring site representatives, investigating serious hazards and intervening where safety is at risk.
Unlike many WHS representatives in other industries, Check Inspectors can cover whole mine sites, have specialist training in high-hazard mining risks, and hold stronger statutory powers, including the power to direct unsafe work to stop.
Independent. Experienced. Worker-elected.
Check Inspectors give mineworkers a direct and democratic voice in safety.
They can inspect mines, review safety systems and documents, investigate incidents and hazards, recommend changes to prevent harm, and take action where workers are placed at risk.
They are a vital part of the safety framework in NSW and Queensland coal mining and a proud reminder that safer workplaces are built when workers have real power.
Celebrate 150 years of Check Inspectors
Join us in recognising the generations of Check Inspectors who have stood up for mineworkers’ safety.
For 150 years, worker-elected safety representatives have helped protect lives, strengthen safety standards and ensure mineworkers have a voice where it matters most.
