Teacher's answer guide

Q1. Briefly explain the types of workplace incidents that must be recorded, who you must report them to and outline how you may report them.

Immediately notifiable work related injuries include death, injury resulting from exposure to substances or injuries requiring in-patient hospital care after the accident. Notify the Department for Administrative and Information Services (DAIS) immediately by telephone or fax and then follow up in writing with 24 hours.

Dangerous occurrences including the collapse, overturning or failure of the load bearing part of any scaffolding, lift, crane, hoist or mine-winding equipment, unintended collapse of any floor, wall or ceiling of a building being used as a workplace, electrical short circuit, malfunction or explosion.

Q2. Imagine there has been an accident at work that has resulted in a worker being taken to hospital with head injuries. You are the supervisor and are required to conduct an investigation. Briefly outline the steps that you would take, the type of information you would gather and who you would involve.

• Collect physical evidence by recording things such as lighting and any noticeable damage to the equipment - note any substances in use.
• Speak to eye witnesses.
• Gather background information such as policies, procedures, injury statistics and training records.
• Analyse the information gathered and draw conclusions.
• Prepare and provide an accident investigation report to management.

Q3. Imagine you are involved in an accident that results in a severe cut to your arm. Outline the procedure you need to follow to report and claim this injury. Consider things such as whether or not to report the accident and who to? Do you need to fill out a form? If yes, where can you get the form and whom do you give it to.

• Notify supervisor, health and safety representative, manager or employer.
• Seek first aid if required.
• When you visit the doctor ask for a medical certificate for a work-related injury
• Get a copy of the Worker Report Form from your employer or WorkCover. Complete the form, attach the medical certificate and give to your employer. Keep a copy for your own records. Your employer is obligated to complete the form and send it to their claims agent within five working days.

Q4. Explain why a focus on return to work for an injured worker is important.

Focusing on the return to work of an injured worker and their capacity to work rather than their disability, can minimise the physical, emotional and financial impact of work related injuries. Past experience suggests that the longer a person is away from work after an injury the less likely it is that they will fully recover in all respects. The aim is to return the injured worker to safe and meaningful work at the earliest possible opportunity.

Q5. List three examples of people who may be involved in assisting an injured worker return to work.

• Doctor
• Case Managers from claims agents
• Family
• Rehabilitation providers
• Physiotherapist
• Psychologist

Q6. List three organisations that can help you with OHS and provide an example of how each organisation can help.

• WorkCover Corporation: Providing access to information, advice and an extensive range of resources through the Customer Information Centre. Consultancy and legislative advice from experts in the field of OHS. Copies of forms to report work related incidents. Free pamphlets and brochures explaining OHS and workers compensation.
• Department for Administrative and Information Services (Workplace Services): inspectors who enforce legislation and promote health and safe work practices, information, advice, consultancy, industry programs and copies of forms to report work related incidents.
• Employer Associations: Business SA can provide information and advice on OHS and training (including approved health and safety representative training).
• Unions: Provide information and advice on OHS as well as access to training (including approved health and safety representative training).