When Should You Report A Work Related incident?

Reporting an incident constitutes a crucial component within an effective occupational health and safety framework. Its primary purpose is to recognize potential work-related health and safety perils, hazards, and threats. This process is geared towards uncovering the underlying triggers behind these incidents.

Subsequent to identifying the root causes, appropriate measures can be implemented to avert the recurrence of such occurrences. To elaborate, an incident investigation is typically conducted to ascertain the sequence of events, their causative factors, and to develop preventive strategies against their reoccurrence. This innovative approach is also evident in the mandates outlined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

As stipulated in the Act, all section 24 incidents, as well as instances demanding medical treatment beyond basic first aid, necessitate a formal investigation by the employer or machinery user. These encompass situations where:

1. Fatality transpires
2. Unconsciousness is experienced by an individual
3. Loss or partial loss of a limb occurs
4. Injury or illness arises, with a potential for fatality or enduring physical impairment
5. Inability to work for 14 days or more due to work-related incidents
6. A "major incident" takes place

(Based on the specifications within section 24(a) and (b) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act)

Moreover, the following types of occurrences require reporting to the Provincial Director when lives are jeopardized by:

1. Hazardous substance spillage
2. Uncontrolled release of pressurized substances
3. Objects in motion posing dangers
4. Machinery going beyond control

(Based on the provisions within section 24(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act)

The procedure for reporting these incidents, namely section 24(a), (b), and (c) occurrences, mandates immediate notification to the Provincial Director. This communication can be established via telephone, fax, or analogous means. Additionally, reporting to the Provincial Director within 7 days is requisite, utilizing the WCL 1 or WCL 2 forms.

In the unfortunate event that an injured person succumbs after initial notification, the employer or machinery user is obligated to inform the Provincial Director about the fatality through fax or comparable communication methods. (In accordance with GAR 8 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.)

Recording and investigating incidents follow a prescribed protocol. The employer or machinery user must maintain records of all section 24 incidents, along with cases requiring medical treatment or first aid. This record-keeping is to be executed using the designated "Annexure 1" form (an exemplar of which is appended to this document). It is vital to recognize that these records must be retained for a minimum of three years. (In line with GAR 9 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.)

Furthermore, the incident site should not be tampered with without the consent of an inspector, except in instances involving:

1. Fatality
2. Loss or partial loss of a limb
3. Imminent fatality

However, the following scenarios are exempt from this restriction:

1. Traffic accidents on public roads
2. Incidents within private households
3. Accidents under the purview of the Aviation Act

The responsibility of conducting investigations falls upon one of the following entities:

1. The employer or machinery user
2. An individual appointed by the employer for investigation purposes
3. The health and safety representative of the relevant work area
4. A member of the health and safety committee

Commencement of the investigation should take place within 7 days, aiming for expeditious conclusion or adhering to contracted deadlines for contract workers. Moreover, employers must ensure that the health and safety committee examines the incident record. (In alignment with GAR 9 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.)

If you need help with your incident investigation please contact us.  Alternatively if you want a more DIY approach to your safety we also offer safety templates.