3c. Incidents & injuries

1. Accidents do happen

In some circumstances, even when proactive risk management has taken place, incidents, injuries and near misses can happen.

It’s important that you understand your workplace policies and procedures relating to incidents, injuries and near misses.

Most workplaces will use an incident report form to capture incidents injuries and near misses. These are completed whether those involved are students, staff or visitors (such as you on work placement). TAFE has similar procedures.

Incident reports are forms or documents that are filled out to record the details of an event such as an injury, accident, or other unusual occurrence in a workplace:

• Incident reports should be filled out ASAP

• Information needs to be detailed and accurate

• The personal details of those involved should be recorded

• The report must be forwarded to an appropriate member of staff immediately (supervisor etc.)

Most schools will have an online form to fill in through a central location.

In some instances you might need to complete both a form for an injury (accident report form) and another form or forms (incident form and a hazard and risk assessment) for the hazard and its management.

This will depend on the workplace and the method of reporting used. You will need to follow the appropriate procedure for your workplace.