Occupational Health and Safety Policy

Eastern College Australia is committed to ensuring, as far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of the working environment for its staff, volunteers, contractors and visitors to its premises. This includes mental well-being and workplace physical safety, including anti-discrimination, harassment and bullying.   A healthy and safe working environment is vital to the successful functioning of the College. The onus rests with Eastern College Australia (the employer) with liability for officers as defined in section 144 of the OHS Act 2004 (Victoria). 

Promotion and maintenance of a safe working environment is a responsibility shared by all.

Eastern College Australia is a multi-denominational Christian Higher Education Provider which aims to equip God’s people to be agents of transformation in the world by providing quality Christian education which is Christ-centred, biblically based, ministry-oriented, academically sound, and positively expressed. Therefore, the College shall apply entry or admittance requirements to all aspects of College involvement which agree with established Christian principles. Notwithstanding, the College reserves the right to waive any or all of the entry or admittance requirements to the College when it is satisfied that the ability, experience and spiritual standing of an applicant for employment or study are sufficient to give the applicant a good chance of integrating harmoniously into the College milieu and succeeding in his or her chosen undertaking. The College acknowledges the Commonwealth and State legislation designed to protect people from acts of discrimination, including disability discrimination. Such legislation includes:-

Racial Discrimination Act 1975
Sex Discrimination Act 1984
Disability Discrimination Act 1992, including the Disability Standards in Education
Racial Discrimination Act 1975
Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010
Victorian Racial Religious Tolerance Act 2001
 
Objectives
Eastern College Australia is committed to:

• a workplace that is, as far as reasonably practicable: safe and healthy for staff, students, and visitors; and, without risk to the environment, in compliance with relevant OH&S legislation, national standards and codes of practice;
• providing orientation training to all new staff and students that includes Occupational Health & Safety
• consulting with employees and their representatives, so far as reasonably practicable, on OHS decisions and changes that affect their workplace;
• reducing OHS risks through a documented process of hazard identification, assessment, implementation and review of controls;
• establishing and monitoring procedures and guidelines relating to OHS;
• provision of a clear statement of OHS accountabilities and responsibilities for personnel across the organisation;
• strengthening leadership capability and accountability for OHS across the College;
• maintaining, monitoring and reviewing the OHS management system to ensure it is consistent with the nature and risk profile of Eastern College Australia;
• actively supporting the physical and psychological wellbeing of College employees;
• monitoring, reporting and responding to OHS performance outcomes to drive continuous improvement;
• allocating adequate resources to maintain healthy, safe and supportive workplaces;
• providing appropriate OHS information and training for all College employees to enable them to perform their roles and responsibilities safely; and
• reporting and investigating incidents where appropriate and acting to prevent recurrence.

Legislation
The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Victoria) is designed to provide a broad framework which allows employers and employees to be flexible to their approach to achieving the standards set in the legislation. A major initiative contained in the Act relates to the involvement of employees in all decisions affecting their own health and safety.
Industrial Manslaughter Laws - Victoria's industrial manslaughter laws came into effect on 1 July 2020. These laws aim to prevent workplace death and provide a stronger deterrent for duty holders to comply with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) obligations.
The Workplace Safety Legislation Amendment Act (Workplace Manslaughter and Other Matters) Act 2019 (the Act) amends the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) in Victoria to create industrial manslaughter laws that apply to employers, self-employed persons or officers who, by their negligent conduct, cause death of anyone who is owed an existing duty under the OHS Act, including employees and members of the public.
The Act carries significant implications, with the suggestion that negligence could extend to a situation where an employee suicided because of an employer's negligent conduct.
Actions
Occupational health and safety is both an individual and shared responsibility. The success of the Occupational Health and Safety Policy and programs depends on the commitment and co-operation of all members of the College community. Staff, students, visitors and contractors are required to co-operate and actively contribute to the health and safety of themselves and others within the workplace. Specific roles and responsibilities are detailed in the "Responsibilities” section below.
Eastern College Australia employees, visitors, volunteers and contractors are required to:

• take reasonable care for their own OHS and act in a manner that does not put others at risk;
• actively contribute to identifying, reporting and reducing OHS hazards and risks;
• cooperate with the College on OHS matters including following OHS procedures and participating in consultation and training.

Incident Notification
An Incident Report form is to be submitted for all incidents, injuries and/or hazards without delay, ideally within 24 hours of the incident occurring. This is to ensure investigators can view conditions as they are at the time of the incident. This form is available on the Eastern College Australia website or in hard copy form in each kichen area. Note: Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act), employers must notify WorkSafe immediately after becoming aware a notifiable incident has occurred. (refer to https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/report-incident-criteria-notifiable-incidents for the list of notifiable incidents).

Serious Injury/Illness or Dangerous Incident
Immediate actions to consider following a serious injury/illness or dangerous incident are:

• control of the incident site;
• seek emergency assistance (if required);
• notify relevant personnel (internal and external); and
• implement interim control measures to prevent a recurrence.

Investigation Report
An initial investigation is to be conducted to identify and implement measures to prevent a recurrence of an incident or potential incident in the interim. This may include measures such as isolation or removal of plant/equipment involved in the incident, erection of barricades and signage, clean-up of the area, installation of temporary plant/equipment.
When reporting and investigating an incident, there are four key stages:

1. gather information (what happened and how)
2. analyse the information (why it happened)
3. assess the risk; and
4. make recommendations (action to take to prevent a reoccurrence)

An investigation report is also to be completed for any incident, where a risk assessment indicates a potential risk of “High” or "Very High”, or where the underlying incident causes are unclear.
The investigating team is to be nominated by the Executive Principal and will generally be comprised of team members with:

• incident reporting training
• knowledge of the work area; and
• safety related training.

The Chief Operations Officer will most commonly lead the investigation. Health and Safety Representatives may be involved in an investigation.
All related reports are to be saved as attachments to the initial Hazard and Incident Report together with any other supporting information such as witness statements, photographs, maps, diagrams, etc.
The purpose of an investigation is not to attribute blame, but to:

• identify factors that contributed to the incident (what went wrong)
• assess the risk (what was the potential for harm); and
• determine what can be done to prevent a recurrence (control measures)

Investigators are to look beyond causes such as human error or lack of care, to identify the underlying hazards in the workplace, focussing on the people, plant (including equipment and materials used); and processes (Systems of work and management practices).
The investigation is to look beyond the immediate causes to the underlying or lost cause of an event and consider the impact of multiple causes rather than a single cause.
Once the immediate and underlying causes of an incident have been identified, a risk assessment is to be conducted in accordance with the College's Risk Management Policy.
Responsibilities
Executive Principal
The Executive Principal will:

• be committed to the provision of a safe working environment and safe working practices;
• take all reasonable steps to ensure compliance with Occupational Health & Safety statutory requirements and relevant College policies and procedures;
• oversee the use risk identification, assessment and control principles to reach Eastern College Australia's occupational health and safety objectives;
• demonstrate commitment towards reducing the number and severity of work-related injuries; and
• ensure the Victorian WorkCover Authority is appropriately notified of all reportable occurrences.

Chief Operations Officer
The Chief Operations Officer will:

• be committed to the provision of a safe working environment and safe working practices;
• coordinate the identification, development, implementation and review of Occupational Health and Safety policies and procedures;
• Act as the connection between the Sexual Assault & Sexual Harassment (SASH) Taskforce / Mental Health Working Group and the Occupational Health and Safety Committee - especially in terms of identifying and addressing health and safety related issues of concern;
• ensure that all staff receive appropriate training in the policy and related procedures and their obligations under occupational health and safety laws;
• assist supervisors/managers in the identification, assessment and selection of measures to control hazards and risk control measures;
• monitor and advise on legislative and technical changes relating to occupational health and safety;
• monitor and provide regular reports to the Executive Principal and the Occupational Health and Safety Committee on Eastern College Australia's Occupational Health and Safety performance; and
• ensure the Victorian WorkCover Authority is appropriately notified of all reportable occurrences.

Employees
Employees will:

• participate in health and safety training, actions and activities and support Eastern College Australia in its efforts to reach its health and safety objectives;
• follow reasonable occupational health and safety instructions from managers and supervisors;
• report any serious incidents, accidents, injuries or hazards in the workplace to supervisors or designated representatives;
• aim to work in a way that does not endanger the health or safety of themselves or others;
• properly use and maintain safety equipment;
• make sure visitors follow safety rules in the workplace; and
• participate in Eastern College Australia's induction programs and implement all detailed safety procedures.

Contractors and Visitors
Contractors and visitors to Eastern College Australia will:

• assess risks to their health and safety arising from their services
• have control measures in place to address those risks, including complying with any relevant College policies and practices.

Occupational Health and Safety Committee
The role of the Occupational Health and Safety Committee is to:

• assist in the development, monitoring and review of occupational health and safety policies and procedures;
• consider any proposal for, or changes to the workplace, policies, work practices or procedures which may affect the health and safety of employees, students and visitors to the College;
• promote the importance of health and safety amongst management and employees;
• monitor Eastern College Australia's occupational health and safety performance;
• monitor the rehabilitation of injured employees;
• assist in the resolution of health and safety disputes.

 
The Committee will meet on a quarterly basis, or more frequently if required. An agenda will be circulated by the Committee Chairperson prior to the meeting. A designated note-taker will take minutes of the meeting.
Health and Safety Representative
The role of a Health and Safety Representative is to:

• represent health and safety matters arising in their work areas
• consider health and safety aspects of matters arising in feedback from the Sexual Assault & Sexual Harassment (SASH) Taskforce / Mental Health Working Group – especially in terms of identifying and addressing health and safety related issues of concern;
• investigate health and safety related complaints prior to representations to management;
• make representations to management and report back to employees on any matter relating to health and safety;
• discuss with the employees, any proposals or matters which may affect the health and safety of employees;
• assist management in the identification of hazards, the assessment of risks and implementation of risk control measures;
• assist in promoting adherence to health and safety policies and procedures;
• assist in the monitoring of risk controls and health and safety policies and procedures.

Evaluation
This procedure will be reviewed annually by the Executive Principal and/or Chief Operations Officer in consultation with the Occupational Health and Safety Committee and the Health and Safety Representatives:

• reviewing overall health and safety performance; and
• monitoring the effectiveness of policies and procedures.

This policy will be also reviewed on a three-year review cycle unless the need arises at an earlier timeframe.
Complaints and Grievances
For College employees, the steps to follow when there is an issue and to whom a particular matter should be reported are outlined in the Complaints and Grievance Procedures with respect to Discrimination, Equal Opportunity, Racial Vilification and Affirmative Action policy on the College website in the Staff Policies and Procedures Manual.
For students, the issues itemised above are regarded as non-academic matters. Therefore, students who wish to make a complaint or grievance about an issue of discrimination should follow the procedures indicated in the Complaints and Grievances: Non-Academic Policy which is published on the College website.
Appendices

1. OHS Planning Procedure
2. Occupational Health and Safety Committee Terms of Reference
3. First Aid
4. Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods
5. Electrical Safety
6. Understand whether an Incident is Reportable and How to Report It

 

Appendix 1: OHS Planning Procedure

 Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to ensure consistency in the planning of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) activities at Eastern College Australia.

Scope

This procedure applies to all Eastern College Australia activities.
 

Definitions

Activity	Any development, implementation, review and enforcement of College OHS procedures.
Employee	An employee nominated to complete specific OHS tasks (this can be the Occupational Health and Safety Representative, a member of the Occupational Health and Safety Committee or another employee in the workplace).
Hazard	Anything with the potential to cause harm, injury, illness or loss.
Health and Safety Representative (HSR)	An elected employee responsible for representing employees within a Designated Work Group (DWG) on matters relating to OHS.
Management OHS Nominee	A position nominated by the Workplace Manager to oversee the operational aspects of implementing health, safety and wellbeing initiatives, policies and procedures.
Occupational Health and Safety Committee	A cooperative forum for employers and employees to work together on OHS issues.
OHS Procedures	Specific procedures that make up Eastern College Australia’s OHS Management System (OHSMS).
Occupational Health and Safety Representative	An elected employee responsible for representing employees within the College on matters relating to OHS in the absence of the Occupational Health and Safety Committee.
Risk	A description of the likelihood and consequence of a hazard causing injury or illness.

 

Responsibility

Executive Principal
The Executive Principal is responsible for:

• providing and utilising resources to implement, maintain and review activities on the OHS Activities Calendar or equivalent template/form;
• in consultation with relevant persons, planning the workplace’s OHS activities using the OHS Activities Calendar or equivalent template/form at the commencement of each year;
• ensuring that as a minimum, the actions required in each of the OHS procedures are planned and implemented
   
• ensuring that employees, students, contractors and visitors have relevant information, instruction and training to enable them to complete the planned activities in a safe manner;
• reviewing the OHS Activities Calendar or equivalent template/form to ensure that planned activities are completed;
• ensuring that the current OHS Activities Calendar or equivalent template/form is available to all employees and prominently displayed in the workplace e.g. on noticeboards.

Employees
Employees are responsible for:

• participating in the review and planning of activities listed on the OHS Activities Calendar or equivalent template/form;
• taking part in, and completing activities as agreed on the OHS Activities Calendar or equivalent template/form;
• reporting back to the Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee on the status of required activities;
• advising the Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee where additional activities may be required on the OHS Activities Calendar or equivalent template/form.

 OHS Activities Calendar
The Chief Operations Officer and Property & Services Manager, in consultation with the OHS Committee, will develop an OHS Activities Calendar, to plan OHS activities to be undertaken throughout the year including:

• OHS Committee meetings;
• OHS Audits;
• First Aid training;
• First Aid Kit content inspections;
• Practice emergency drills;
• Specific/routine maintenance and electrical equipment testing and tagging;
• Review the Emergency Management Plan;
• Review the Risk Profile.

Initial Review of the OHS Activities Calendar
The Executive Principal and Chief Operations Officer must consult relevant persons when first reviewing the OHS Activities Calendar or equivalent template/form for the workplace. Relevant persons should include:

• Chief Operations Officer
• Property & Services Manager
• The Occupational Health and Safety Representative and members of the Occupational Health and Safety Committee where one has been established
• SASH Taskforce/Mental Health Working Group
• Employees who would be expected to undertake the task or activity.

 During the initial review, the Executive Principal and Chief Operations Officer should review each activity for applicability to their workplace. Items that are not appropriate should be deleted and any additional activities that may be required or requested following the consultation process should be added to the calendar.
 
This may include:

• OHS-related training (e.g. HSR 5 Day WorkSafe Approved Training Course);
• Safe Use of Machinery in Technology Course;
• First Aid (including CPR and Anaphylaxis) Training.

 Once the activities have been agreed on, the Executive Principal, in consultation with the Occupational Health and Safety Representative and employees, should determine the frequency of the activities. In many instances the activity will have recurring requirements over the year.
 Note: Some activities have a required minimum frequency e.g. workplace inspections, while others should be agreed with employees e.g. delivery of hazard-specific training.
Allocating Responsibility for Activities
Once the OHS Activities Calendar or equivalent template/form is finalised, the Executive Principal or Chief Operations Officer are to ensure the planned activities are implemented via the allocation of responsibility and resources.
 The benefits of employee participation include:

• demonstrating employee consultation and participation in the identification, assessment and control of hazards
• reducing the load on the Executive Principal and / or Chief Operations Officer
• involving employees in the planning process
• increasing the chances of identifying more hazards by involving a broad range of employees
• enabling the Executive Principal and / or Chief Operations Officer to match activities with skill sets and competencies of employees. The agreed activities should be clearly communicated by either including the names or titles of the employees on the OHS Activities Calendar or equivalent template/form, or via other means such as email, written statement, discussion at a staff meeting or other forum etc.

It is the responsibility of the Executive Principal and/or the Chief Operations Officer to ensure that employees are aware of the procedures for completing activities and the relevant documentation required to record the outcome of the activity.
The Executive Principal and / or the Chief Operations Officer should ensure that copies of the OHS Activities Calendar or equivalent template/form are prominently displayed in the workplace; multiple copies may be required in larger or multi-campus schools and offices.
 As activities are updated on the OHS Activities Calendar or equivalent template/form the Executive Principal and/or the Chief Operations Officer must ensure that only the most up to date copy is on display.
 On-going Review of the OHS Activities Calendar
The Executive Principal and / or the Chief Operations Officer must review the OHS Activities Calendar or equivalent template/form on a regular basis.
As a guide the Executive Principal and / or the Chief Operations Officer should review the OHS Activities Calendar or equivalent template/form:

• following a review of the Risk Register
• when first implementing the OHS Activities Calendar or equivalent template/form in the workplace
• every year
• when hazards and incidents are reported
• when existing controls are not effective and need review
• when new OHS training needs are identified
• when new or additional activities are required by Committee of Management, auditors or the regulatory authority (WorkSafe).

 If an activity has not been implemented by the intended date, the Executive Principal and / or the Chief Operations Officer should identify the reasons for the delay and in consultation with relevant employees, determine an alternate date and update the OHS Activities Calendar or equivalent template/form accordingly.
Employees are expected to complete the activities that have been mutually agreed with them. Where activities have not been completed, the employee must inform the Executive Principal and / or the Chief Operations Officer within a reasonable time so that an alternative date for the activity can then be agreed and the OHS Activities Calendar or equivalent template/form can be updated.
 A new OHS Activities Calendar or equivalent template/form is required every 12 months. It is the responsibility of the Executive Principal and / or the Chief Operations Officer to ensure that this occurs.
 Related Documentation
OHS Activities Calendar
 References

• Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
• Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007

 

Appendix 2: OHS Committee – Terms of Reference

Purpose
To provide a forum for consultation and dissemination of information on matters which are likely to affect the health, safety and welfare of Eastern College Australia in accordance with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHSA 2004).
Functions
The functions of the Committee are to:

• Review measures taken to ensure the health, safety and welfare of persons at Eastern College Australia.
• Investigate any matter that may be a risk to the health, safety and welfare of persons at Eastern College Australia.
• Consider any OH&S related matters arising from the Sexual Assault & Sexual Harassment (SASH) / Mental Health Working Group;
• Ensure that information pertaining to the function and role of the Committee is formulated, reviewed and disseminated to all employees at Eastern College Australia.

Scope
The scope of the Committee involves:

• OHS training and education of employees, Committee members, and elected Health and Safety Representatives – note student orientation includes Occupational Health & Safety training;
• Monitoring and review of workplace inspections, workplace hazards, incidents, injuries and investigations;
• Developing and reviewing risk assessments and risk controls;
• Reviewing safe work procedures (SWP);
• Reviewing any purchasing checklists/guidance for items with OHS implications;
• Developing safety rules and information; and
• Reviewing emergency procedures and drills.

Decision Making Procedures
The Committee has the power to make recommendations to the workplace management relating to any matters listed under Scope above or any other matters set out in the OHS legislation. The Committee does not have the power to implement those recommendations. Should a Committee recommendation be rejected by a Supervisor the Committee may elect to follow the workplaces agreed OHS Issue Resolution Process - refer to: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/resolvingoccupational-health-and-safety-issues
Membership
It is a requirement under the OHSA 2004 that there be at least equal numbers of employees to representatives of management. The Committee comprises at least the following:

• Executive Principal and/or Chief Operations Officer (or delegate)
• Property & Services Manager
• Elected Eastern College Australia Staff Health & Safety Representative
• Elected Melbourne School of Theology Staff Health & Safety Representative

The term of office for employee Committee members is one year
Employee representatives may resign from the Committee at any time. Resignation must be by written notification to the Chair of the Committee. Any Committee member who resigns from Eastern College Australia will automatically be removed from the Committee.
Meetings
Meetings will be held on a quarterly basis (4 times per year).

Appendix 3: First Aid

 
In the event of an injury:

1. If the injury is not serious, report or escort the injured party to the Office for assistance
2. If the injury is serious ring 000, do not wait for the First Aid Officer
3. Stay with injured party. Send someone else to find the First Aid Officer or College representative
4. If no one else is available, call the College phone number and inform the Office that someone is injured at your location
5. If trained, apply first aid to the injured party
6. Once the incident is over, fill in an incident report – available on the MST Intranet or hard copy in each kitchen area – then pass to the Chief Operations Officer.

 
There is an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Unit located in the Library on the Ground Floor and in the Prayer Room on Level 1 (opposite Lecture Room 4). These are suitable for use with adults who are having a sudden cardiac arrest.
 
Amenities
If needed, the staff room can be utilised for break times and has facilities such as chilled/boiling water, fridge and microwave. Contractors are welcome to use these facilities and are asked to clean up after yourself.
 
Emergency Management & Critical Incident
All people are responsible for, and required to, report incidents or unsafe conditions to the Property & Services Manager or Reception as soon as they are aware of them.
All students, occupants and visitors regardless of their abilities have some obligation to take responsibility for their own safety and prepare a plan for Evacuation in an emergency. On hearing the alarm and announcement, you are to:

• Cease work or activities.
• Proceed to one of the three designated assembly areas located in the car park.

Appendix 4: Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods

If transporting or using hazardous substances or dangerous goods onto site, the Property & Services Manager must be informed. You must complete a Safe Work Method Statement or equivalent to outline the controls methods you will use to ensure that the risks of the hazardous substances and/or dangerous goods are managed.
Such controls may include, but are not limited to:

• the provision of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• correct labelling of containers
• correct storing and handling of containers
• correct disposal of any waste
• provision of Personal Protective Equipment.

 

Appendix 5: Electrical Safety

 
Eastern College Australia has a duty of care to provide a safe workplace for staff, students and visitors. This obligation includes the provision, regular testing and maintenance of safe electrical equipment.
To provide safe electrical equipment for staff, students and visitors to use, Eastern College Australia will ensure:

• All electrical equipment, including leads and cables, will be maintained and routinely tested and tagged as required by a competent trained and qualified ‘Test and Tag’ contractor in accordance with AS/NZS 3760:2003 In-service Safety Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment.
• The Executive Principal will, in consultation with the Occupational Health & Safety Representative (OHSR) and staff, identify all items of electrical equipment in the workplace and insure an up-to-date Electrical Equipment Register is provided by the Test and Tag contractor to the College.
• The Electrical Equipment Register that records all electrical items, cords, power boards etc., along with dates and results of tests form an important component of our annual electrical testing and will be stored in the College office for referral.
• All safety switches (Residual Current Devices) will be tested annually by an ‘A’ grade electrician.
• All electrical equipment, including leads and cables will be tested and tagged prior to initial use, as well as after being serviced or repaired.
• All College information technology, including computers, will also be tested and tagged as required by the Standard.
• Regular testing of equipment will form part of the College’s annual OHS Activities Calendar and servicing contracts.
• Workplace inspections that focus on electrical appliance, cords, leads, tagging and care and maintenance procedures will form part of the OHS Activities Calendar.
• Staff members will treat all electrical equipment including leads and cables with care.
• All new electrical equipment will be designed, assembled and have insulated active and neutral pins as required by AS/NZS 3760:2003.
• Staff members who notice damaged, worn or abused electrical equipment must ensure that the equipment is not used, and report the incident to the OHSR, Property & Services Manager or Chief Operations Officer immediately. The defective equipment will be immediately isolated and removed from service whereby it will be repaired or replaced.
• The College will endeavour to limit the use of cables and leads, and ensure they are appropriately fixed to walls etc. to minimise flexing and potential abuse.
• The College will maintain a supply of tested and tagged electrical cables, leads and power boards for use as required.
• The College's annual budget will include an appropriate amount for annual testing and tagging of electrical equipment as required.

 

Appendix 6: Understand Whether An Incident Is Reportable and How To Report It

Report health and safety incidents to WorkSafe Victoria
Depending on the incident, there are a number of other important actions you may need to take, including notifying WorkSafe and preserving the scene if possible and if safe to do so.
Reporting an incident

1. If the situation is still dangerous or high-risk, call emergency services immediately on 000
2. Confirm if the incident is reportable Find out what type of incidents must be reported. Link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/report-incident-criteria-reportable-inci...
3. Ensure the incident scene is not disturbed until a WorkSafe inspector arrives

However, incident scenes can be disturbed if necessary to: 1. protect a person's health or safety 2. help someone who is injured 3. make the area safe

1. Notify WorkSafe immediately by calling 13 23 60

We'll lodge details of the incident and email you a link to an online incident notification form. WorkSafe will then advise if an inspector will make a site visit and whether the incident scene can be disturbed before the inspector's attendance.

1. Report the incident in writing within 48 hours

Once you have completed and submitted the online incident notification form, you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your records.

1. Having trouble completing the online form?

If you are having trouble completing the online incident notification form, download a print copy of the incident notification form, and email the completed form to: info@worksafe.vic.gov.au or post to:
WorkSafe Victoria PO BOX 279 Geelong VIC 3220. Link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/resources/incident-notification-form

1. Save a copy of the incident notification form

You are required to keep a record of the form for at least five years.
Related Information

• Guide to incident notification https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/resources/guide-incident-notification
• An incident just happened https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/incident-just-happened
• Report an incident: Criteria for reportable incidents https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/report-incident-criteria-reportable-inci...
• Incident notification form https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/resources/incident-notification-form

Source: Work Sage Victoria. (2020, February 17). Report an incident: Understand whether an incident is reportable and how to report it.. Retrieved from https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/pdf/report-incident
An obligation to report
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act), employers and self-employed persons must notify WorkSafe immediately after becoming aware an incident has occurred. Failure to report an incident to WorkSafe is an offence and may result in prosecution.
 
You must report incidents resulting in:

• death
• a person needing medical treatment within 48 hours of being exposed to a substance
• a person needing immediate treatment as an in-patient at a hospital
• a person needing immediate medical treatment for one of the following injuries: amputation, serious head injury or serious eye injury, removal of skin (example: degloving/ scalping) electric shock, spinal injury, loss of bodily function, serious lacerations.

You must report incidents involving:

• registered or licensed plant collapsing, overturning, falling or malfunctioning collapse or failure of an excavation, or shoring supporting an excavation
• collapse of a building structure (or partial collapse)
• implosion, explosion, or fire
• escape, spillage or leakage of any substance
• plant or objects falling from high places

Dangerous goods incidents
All incidents involving dangerous goods must be reported, including:

• fire
• explosion
• spills
• leakage
• escape.

Explosive incidents

• all incidents involving explosives must be reported, including:
• all injuries
• damage to property
• fire
• explosion
• theft, attempted theft, or unexplained loss of High Consequence Dangerous Goods (HCDGs)
• any other security incident involving High Consequence Dangerous Goods (HCDGs)

Source: Work Sage Victoria. (2020, February 20). Report an incident: Criteria for reportable incidents. Retrieved from https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/report-incident-criteria-reportable-incidents