Report an Incident

Incident and hazard management is an important aspect of the University's WHS management system, and is a key requirement of health and safety legislation. Reporting of hazards and incidents helps create a safe and healthier work environment for all by ensuring corrective actions are implemented.

Incident Reporting Flow Chart

Reporting an incident or hazard

To report an incident or hazard, complete the Incident / Hazard Report form (via WesternNow).

You can report a hazard or incident on behalf of others, including students, colleagues, contractors, and visitors.

Hazards and incidents must be reported to your supervisor, or to the WHS unit within 24 hours.

If the full details of the hazard or incident are not known within this time, all available information must be submitted immediately.

The University's Incident and Hazard Reporting and Investigation Policy provides more information on reporting and investigation requirements.

For notifiable incidents, as defined in the Incident and Hazard Reporting and Investigation Policy, please contact a WHS unit team member immediately and follow the requirements outlined in the policy.


Definition of a hazard

Hazard means a situation or thing that has the potential to harm a person. Hazards at work may include: noisy machinery, a moving forklift, chemicals, electricity, working at heights, a repetitive job, bullying and violence at the workplace.

Definition of an incident

An incident is defined as an event resulting in, or having a potential for injury, ill health, damage or other loss.

If you believe an incident may be notifiable, notify the WHS&W Director on 02 9852 5177 immediately.

What is a notifiable incident?

Under the WHS act, a notifiable incident means:

  • the death of a person
  • a serious injury or illness of a person
  • a dangerous incident

If you believe an incident may be notifiable, notify the WHS&W Director on 02 9852 5177 immediately.

What is a serious injury or illness?

A serious injury or illness means an injury or illness requiring a person to have:

  • immediate treatment as an in-patient in a hospital
  • immediate treatment for:
    • a serious head injury
    • a serious eye injury
    • a serious burn
    • the seperation of skin from an underlying tissue (such as degloving or scalping
    • a spinal injury
    • the loss of a bodily function
    • a serious laceration
  • medical treatment within 48 hours of exposure to a substance

If you believe an incident may be notifiable, notify the WHS&W Director on 02 9852 5177 immediately.

What is a dangerous incident?

A dangerous incident is where any person is exposed to a serious result resulting from an immediate or imminent exposure to:

  • an uncontrolled escape, spillage or leakage of a substance
  • an uncontrolled implosion, explosion or fire
  • an uncontrolled escape of gas or steam
  • an uncontrolled escape of a pressurised substance
  • electric shock
  • the fall or release from a height of any plant, substance or thing
  • the collapse, overturning, failure or malfunction of, or damage to, any plant that is required to be design or item registered under the Work Health and Safety Regulations, for example a collapsing crane
  • the collapse or partial collapse of a structure
  • the collapse or failure of an excavation or of any shoring supporting an excavation
  • the inrush of water, mud or gas in workings, in an underground excavation or tunnel
  • the interruption of the main system of ventilation in an underground excavation or tunnel.

If you believe an incident may be notifiable, notify the WHS&W Director on 02 9852 5177 immediately.