NSW: Guidelines for Reporting an Incident or Injury

WorkCover NSW has issued guidelines as to when to report a work-related incident. WorkCover NSW must be notified of all incidents involving a fatality, serious injury, serious illness or dangerous incident by phone on 13 10 50 as an urgent investigation may be needed.

In addition, where there is an injury to an employee, notify your Scheme Agent or insurer within 48 hours.

Refer to part 3 – Incident Notification of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) and clause 699 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011.

The work health and safety legislation requires preservation of the incident site until an inspector attends (or the inspector or regulator directs otherwise).  Refer to section 39 of the WHS Act.

Your Scheme Agent or insurer must be notified within 48 hours of other incidents involving an injury or illness where workers compensation is payable, such as for lost time and/or medical expenses.

In these instances, there is no need to notify WorkCover as the Scheme Agent or insurer advises WorkCover of these incidents.

Refer to section 42 and section 44 of the Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998 and clause 40 of Workers Compensation Regulation 2010.

Employers may avoid paying a claims excess if there is an injury by notifying their Scheme Agent or insurer within the required timeframes.

 

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