Incident Notification

It is a legal obligation of the PCBU to notify SafeWork SA of any work-related injury that requires treatment as an inpatient in a hospital immediately after the injury (disregarding any time taken for emergency treatment or to get the person to hospital).

This legal obligation under Regulation 418 does not lie with the hospital, In accordance with section 38 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA) as a PCBU, you must notify SafeWork SA of fatalities, serious injuries and illnesses, and dangerous incidents that arise out of the conduct of the business or undertaking, as soon as you become aware of the incident.

The notification to SafeWork SA must be by the fastest available means and can be made by phone or in writing (such as by fax, email or other electronic means). If the notification is by phone this must be followed up in writing within 48 hours if SafeWork SA requests it.

If you are reporting work-related injuries or incidents to SafeWork SA the 24 hour Emergency Telephone number is 1800 777 209.

If you are unsure whether or not to report any work-related injuries or incidents to SafeWork SA contact the SafeWork SA Help Centre on 1300 365 255.

The following are required to be immediately notified to SafeWork SA:

• A work related death
• A injury that:
• requires admittance to hospital as an inpatient
• is from exposure to any substance that causes acute symptoms
• is a dangerous occurrence

Examples of 'dangerous occurrences' include:

• the collapse, overturning or failure of the load-bearing capacity of cranes, hoists or scaffolding
• the damage to, or malfunction of, other major plant or equipment
• the collapse of a floor, wall or ceiling of a building used as a workplace
• an electrical short, malfunction or explosion
• an uncontrolled explosion, fire or escape of gas, steam or other hazardous substance

Workplace Fatalities

SafeWork SA is responsible for the investigation of workplace incidents in which people have been seriously or fatally injured.

These publications are designed to assist and inform you if you are an employer, colleague, or family member of someone who has come to harm in a workplace.

Workers who have witnessed a workplace death or injury, or who are struggling with substance abuse, suicidal thoughts or other issues affecting their ability to work or return to work can now call 1800 554 654 to access the 24-hour Hunterlink Recovery Services helpline.

The Coping with a workplace death and Investigating a workplace fatality brochures are available from the links below.