An Inspector from the Ministry of Labour Training and Skills Development, arrives unannounced at the General Widget company at 10:00pm at night to perform an inspection.  She contacts the supervisor and begins walking around the workplace.  She takes pictures of trade secret processes.  She tells the supervisor to get her a measuring tape so she can measure the height of the mezzanine guardrail.  She finds that the guardrail is several inches too low and tells the supervisor that no workers can go onto the mezzanine until the guardrail is in compliance. 
During her inspection she speaks with workers about safety.  One of the workers refuses to speak to her saying she doesn't have the authority to make them talk.  She tells the supervisor to get the workers confidential personnel file so she can look at the worker's work history and personal information.  The worker continues to refuse to speak with the Inspector and the Inspector places them under arrest.  The supervisor and company are very upset as to how they have been treated by the Inspector. The supervisor says that the inspector has no right to be there after hours and to come back during regular dayshift when she has the authority. 
The Inspector has exercised a number of powers granted to her under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.  She has also exercised authority that she does not have.
 
Instructions:
Please identify and explain at least 4 of the legal powers that the Inspector used.  Identify the one action that she took for which she did not have the authority. Also if you could speak to her supervisor what would you point out to them?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Legal Powers Exercised by the Inspector 1 Unannounced Inspection The Inspector has the legal authority to conduct unannounced inspections under the Oc... View the full answer