It is understood WorkSafe Tasmania received a complaint about working conditions at the centre near Deloraine, and the complainant claimed staff safety was at risk.

On Tuesday, The Australian reported that staff safety had been put at risk “by an overly lenient, even indulgent, approach to ­detainees”.

On Wednesday, the Justice Department confirmed the investigation.

“The incident has been reported to WorkSafe Tasmania and it is now investigating,” a spokeswoman said.

“As the investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further.”

It follows two incidents at the facility earlier this month which reportedly saw employees at the facility threatened with large shards of glass.

The Health Department confirmed that three employees received minor injuries and the police were called on the first occasion.

A “full review” into the incidents has been launched.

Confirmation of WorkSafe Tasmania’s investigation follows the announcement that a Royal Commission will be held into the abuse of youths in custody in the Northern Territory.

The Royal Commission was announced by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Tuesday, after an ABC Four Corners investigation which revealed children in the state’s Dale Don correctional facility were beaten, stripped naked, gassed and held in solitary confinement for weeks on end.

The Prime Minister’s decision to launch a Royal Commission was met with praise.

“What we saw last night is an absolute disgrace,” the commission’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social justice commissioner Mick Gooda said.

“What we saw this morning was decisive leadership from a Prime Minister who cares. What we’ve got to do now is make sure this makes a difference.”