WorkSafe Victoria recently announced new regulations regarding the notification of incidents under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic). The changes aim to ensure that WorkSafe is notified of incidents in a timely manner so that investigations can commence promptly.
This means that incidents involving a broader range of machinery, including high-risk equipment like tractors, quad bikes, forklifts, excavators, and mining/quarrying equipment, must now be reported to WorkSafe Victoria within 24 hours.
Specifically, WorkSafe must be notified if an incident involving prescribed machinery or equipment immediately or imminently exposes any person to a serious health or safety risk. This includes situations where the equipment collapses, overturns, fails, malfunctions, or is damaged.
The aim of the changes is to improve transparency and accountability around incident reporting. By notifying WorkSafe of these incidents in a timely manner, patterns can be identified so that action can be taken to prevent workers from being exposed to serious harm.
Failure to inform WorkSafe within 24 hours of becoming aware of a notifiable incident is an offence and may result in prosecution. Incidents can be reported to WorkSafe's emergency line on 13 23 60 which operates 24/7.
Our expert lawyers at Nevin Lenne Gross can assist you in understanding your or your employer’s obligations in respect to the above .
Contact us today to find out more.
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