(a)¹The secretary or his or her representative shall have authority to investigate and ascertain the wages of persons employed in any occupation in the Commonwealth; enter and inspect the place of business or employment of any employer of employes in any occupation in the Commonwealth at any reasonable time, for the purpose of examining and inspecting any records of any such employer that in any way relate to wages, hours, or other conditions of employment of any such employes; copy any or all of such records as the secretary or an authorized representative may deem necessary or appropriate; require from such employer full and accurate statements in writing, at such times as the secretary may deem necessary, of the wages paid to all employes in his or her employment; and interrogate such persons for the purpose of ascertaining whether the provisions of this act and the regulations issued thereunder have been and are being complied with.