Under Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, Australian businesses are required to record workplace hazards, incidents, injuries and other important items. At times it can be confusing as to what, and to whom, a business should report particular items. When it comes to incidents, there are specific requirements as to what types of incidents a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must notify their WHS regulator.
Known as ‘Notifiable Incidents’, SafeWork requires Australian businesses to:
If there is a serious injury or illness, a death or a dangerous incident, you must report it to us immediately on 13 10 50 as an urgent investigation may be needed.
You must take care not to disturb the incident scene until an inspector arrives at the site, or until direction is given by an inspector. You can help an injured person and ensure safety of the site.
Incidents can be notified 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 13 10 50.
You must also:
- provide first aid and make sure the worker gets the right care
- record it in the register of injuries
- notify your insurer within 48 hours.
Please note that your responsibility to not disturb the incident scene does not prevent any action to:
- assist an injured person
- remove a deceased person
- make the site safe
- assist with a police investigation, if directed
- comply with an inspector request.
What incidents need to be notified?
A ‘notifiable incident’ under the work health and safety legislation relates to:
https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/notify-safework/incident-notification
- the death of a person
- a serious injury or illness of a person
- a potentially dangerous incident.
In case of an emergency, call ‘000’ or if a notifiable incident, please call 13 10 50.
For all other help, contact our team to discuss.