If an accident happens on your site, do you know if you need to call SafeWork?
Under the WHS Act, you are legally required to notify the regulator immediately after becoming aware of a "Notifiable Incident." However, not every cut finger or minor trip is notifiable. Reporting unnecessary items wastes time, while failing to report a serious incident is a criminal offence.
What is a Notifiable Incident?
A Notifiable Incident falls into three categories:
1. The Death of a Person
Any fatality arising out of the conduct of the business or undertaking.
2. A Serious Injury or Illness
This means an injury that requires:
- Immediate treatment as an inpatient in a hospital.
- Immediate treatment for:
- Amputation of any part of the body.
- Serious head injury.
- Serious eye injury.
- Serious burn.
- Separation of skin from underlying tissue (degloving).
- Spinal injury.
- Loss of bodily function.
- Serious lacerations.
- Medical treatment within 48 hours for exposure to a substance.
Note: "Immediate treatment" means the kind of urgent treatment usually provided by a doctor. It does not include minor first aid.
3. A Dangerous Incident (Near Miss)
This is an incident that exposes a person to a serious risk to their health or safety, even if no one was actually hurt. Examples include:
- Collapse of a trench or excavation.
- Collapse of a scaffold or crane.
- Electric shock.
- Uncontrolled escape of gas or steam.
- Fire or explosion.
- Fall of a heavy object from height.
What to Do If a Notifiable Incident Occurs
- Call 000: If there is an immediate emergency, call emergency services.
- Preserve the Site: This is a critical legal requirement. You must not disturb the incident site until an inspector arrives or gives you permission.
- Exceptions: You can disturb the site to assist an injured person, remove a deceased person, or make the site safe to prevent further injury.
- Notify the Regulator: You must notify your state regulator (e.g., SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe VIC) by the fastest possible means (usually phone). Written notification may be required within 48 hours.
- Record the Incident: Keep a record of the incident for at least 5 years.
Internal Reporting
Even if an incident is not notifiable to the regulator (e.g., a sprained ankle), it should still be reported internally within your company. Recording minor incidents and "near misses" helps you identify trends and fix hazards before they cause a serious injury.
Be Prepared
Ensure your site has a clear Incident Management Procedure and that all workers know who to call in an emergency. Having the correct forms ready can save valuable time in a crisis.
Need documentation ready before something happens? Download an incident report form and incident management procedure.