3.L.3 Reporting of Notifiable Incidents

Leo Perkins -

Any serious incidents must be notified immediately to their Manager. After becoming aware that any such incident has occurred, it is the Manager’s responsibility to report ‘notifiable incidents’ to Comcare by the fastest possible means, either:

  • by phone—ring Comcare 1300 366 979
  • by fax or other electronic means—fax Comcare on 1300 305 916; email notify@comcare.gov.au .
  • NOTE: Comcare requires that immediate notification is followed within 48 hours in writing by completing a Notifiable Incident Report Form and forwarding it to Comcare, GPO Box 9905, Canberra, ACT, 2601

Definition of “notifiable incident”:

‘Notifiable incidents’ include the following:

  • the death of a person
  • a serious injury or illness of a person
    Serious injury or illness includes immediate treatment as an in-patient in a hospital; immediate treatment for certain serious injuries; or medical treatment within 48 hours of exposure to a substance
  • a dangerous incident
    A ‘dangerous incident’ means any incident in relation to a workplace that exposes a worker or any other person to a serious risk to a person’s health or safety caused by incidents such as uncontrolled escape, spillage or leakage of a substance, an uncontrolled implosion, explosion, fire; or uncontrolled escape of gas or steam.

Hazzard/Incident/Injury Reporting - Summary for Managers

  • Ensure that the manager or worker has completed a hazard/incident/injury form.
  • Review the incident with the manager or worker to determine if any actions need to be taken to eliminate or minimise the risk of the incident or hazard recurring.
  • Complete the injury register.
  • If the incident results in a death, serious injury or illness or a dangerous incident, notify Comcare IMMEDIATELY.
    Ph: 1300 366 979 Fax:1300 305 916 Email: notify@comcare.gov.au
    NOTE: Comcare requires that immediate notification is followed within 48 hours in writing by completing a Notifiable Incident Report Form and forwarding it to Comcare, GPO Box 9905, Canberra, ACT, 2601
  • Maintain records of all the above.