Notification of Certain Occurrences

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The OHSW Department is responsible for ensuring that any dangerous occurrence is reported to Workplace Services by telephone or facsimile as soon as practicable after the occurrence in accordance with Division 6.6 of the OHSW Regulations (1995).

A notifiable dangerous occurrence is any incident or event which arises from operations carried on at a workplace and which causes an immediate and significant risk to a person.
(Please note - the person does not have to be injured.)

The Security Office and the OHSW Unit must be immediately notified of any of the following dangerous occurrences:

• The collapse, overturning or failure of the load bearing of any scaffolding or hoist
• Damage to, or malfunction of major plant
• The unintended collapse or partial collapse of a building or structure under construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair or demolition
• The floor, wall or ceiling of a building being used as a workplace
• An uncontrolled explosion, fire or escape of any gas, hazardous substance or steam
• The unintended ignition or explosion of an explosive
• An electrical short circuit, malfunction or explosion
• An unintended event involving a flood of water, or any collapse of ground

If an employee suffers an immediately notifiable work-related injury (eg death, hospitalisation, acute symptoms associated with exposure to a substance at work), the employer must not without the permission of an Workplace Services Inspector

• Alter the site where the injury occurred
• Reuse, repair or remove any plant or reuse or remove any substances that caused or was connected with the occurrence
  (so as not to interfere with any evidence)

In the time before an inspector gives permission, an employer may take such steps as are necessary:

• To rescue an injured person
• To retrieve any dead body
• To protect the health and safety of any person who may be in the vicinity
• To prevent undue damage to property

A written report on a Notification of dangerous Occurrence form must also be provided by the University within 24 hours to Workplace Services.

The OHSW Manager (or representative) is to be present for any interview with Workplace Services.