166   Rights of site check inspectors

(1)  A site check inspector:

(a)  has the right to be present when an inspector makes a formal report to the operator concerning a health, safety or welfare matter at the coal operation, and

(b)  has the right to accompany an employee, at the request of the employee, during any interview with the operator or a contractor about a health, safety or welfare matter at the coal operation, and

(c)  has the right to observe any formal in-house investigation of an event or other occurrence at the coal operation that must be notified to the Chief Inspector, and

(d)  has the right to require assistance and access to facilities that are reasonably necessary for the exercise of his or her functions.

(2)  A person must not obstruct a site check inspector in the exercise of any right conferred on the inspector by this Act.

Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.