Accidents Do Happen! Even in the best-prepared businesses.

In the event of a serious workplace injury or accident, it is your responsibility to conduct a thorough Work Health and Safety (WHS) investigation. This investigation should identify the cause of the incident, the events leading up to it, potential measures to prevent recurrence, and who may be accountable.

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Additionally, Safe Work Australia mandates that certain severe workplace incidents be reported as "notifiable incidents." The definition of a notifiable incident varies between states, so it’s important to consult your state’s regulatory body to determine which incidents must be reported.

What Went Wrong

When an incident or accident occurs, there’s often hesitation or uncertainty about assigning blame or responsibility. For small businesses, conducting a thorough and impartial investigation can be challenging. Even larger companies with dedicated WHS departments may find it difficult to complete accurate and transparent investigations.

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Moreover, when an incident is classified as notifiable, there’s a significant amount of documentation and evidence required by Safe Work Australia. Preparing these notifiable incident reports can be highly time-consuming and detailed, with strict deadlines and specific procedures that must be followed.

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For small businesses managing accidents and investigations, this process can put a considerable strain on resources, including personnel, time, and finances.

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If you need support with WHS investigations, WHS Guardian is here to assist.

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Need help preparing a workplace investigation or notifiable incident report? Contact us today!