SafeWork SA will face a public inquiry into its practices, policies and procedures following several serious complaints.

SA’s Independent Commission Against Corruption says an evaluation would be undertaken relating to the activities of the regulatory arm of SafeWork SA since September, 2013.

“Since my office commenced in September 2013, the Office for Public Integrity has received a number of complaints and reports about SafeWork SA,” commissioner Bruce Lander said in a statement.

“Each complaint and report has been dealt with on its merits. Some resulted in no further action being taken.

“Others resulted in investigations undertaken by me (including the investigation I announced last week), or by the Chief Executive of the Attorney-General's Department, on referral from me.”

Mr Lander said the evaluation follows a string of complaints against SafeWork SA.

“The nature of those complaints and reports, together with other information I have received in respect of SafeWork SA, has led me to the view that an evaluation of its regulatory functions is in the public interest,” he said.

“The purpose of the evaluation will be to consider what, if any, improvements can be made to minimise the potential for corruption, misconduct or maladministration to occur within the agency.”

Mr Lander hopes the public will be confident enough to come forward and give evidence to the inquiry.

“It is critical that those who are regulated by SafeWork SA, as well as the public, have confidence in the way in which the agency carries out its functions,” he said.

“Carrying out such an evaluation in public allows both weaknesses and strengths of the agency to be highlighted and opportunities for improvement to be debated openly.

“Members of the public can be made aware of the evaluation, its scope and progress and may be more willing to come forward with information relevant to the evaluation.

“Finally, people will be able to judge for themselves whether the content of my final report is appropriate in light of the evidence and submissions received.”

SafeWork SA has welcomed the evaluation.