Event & Hazard Reporting

WHAT IS AN EVENT?

An event is any unplanned situation that has caused, or could have caused, injury, damage to property or equipment, or environmental harm.

Events are generally classified as:

Injury: Work-related injury, illness, or condition requiring first aid or medical treatment

Near Miss: An incident that did not cause harm but had the potential to

Property Damage: Damage to plant, equipment, or property

Environmental: Incidents that impact the surrounding environment (e.g. chemical or physical release)

WHAT IS A HAZARD?

A hazard is anything in the workplace with the potential harm to people, damage equipment, or impact the environment.

Common workplace hazards include:

• Plant and equipment (e.g. forklift, machinery)
• Working at heights or confined spaces
• Manual handling tasks
• Hazardous substances, dust, noise, and vibration
• Fatigue, working alone, or unsafe behaviours
• Identifying hazards early is key to preventing incidents.

ASSESSING RISK

Once a hazard is identified, the level of risk must be assessed to determine the appropriate action.

Risk is based on two key factors:

Consequence (Severity) × Likelihood (Probability)

Higher risk levels require more immediate action. In extreme cases, work must stop until the risk is controlled.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

All events and hazards must be reported in line with workplace procedures. Some incidents are legally required to be reported to WorkSafe WA, even if no injury has occurred. These may include:

• Uncontrolled spills, leaks, or escapes of substances
• Fires, explosions, or implosions
• Escapes of gas, steam, or pressurised substances
• Electric shocks
• Structural collapse or partial collapse
• Inrush of water, mud, or gas in excavations or tunnels

If there is any uncertainty about what must be reported, guidance should be sought from WorkSafe WA.

QUICK QUIZ

1. What is the difference between a hazard and an event?
2. What is a near miss?
3. How is risk assessed?
4. When should an incident be reported?