Accident/Incident Reporting and Making a Workers Compensation Claim

Staff in Rural locations in South Australia

Reporting of Accidents and Incidents

1. An accident may involve injury to a staff member or other person, damage to equipment or buildings or both. It may include fire, electrical, spillage, equipment or journey accidents during the course of the working day.
   
   
2. Journey accidents to and from work are not covered by the Workers' Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, 1986. However, some reimbursement may be available in accordance with the Collective Workplace Agreement 2006-2008. Contact Personnel Policy and Practice for further information
   
   
3. If an injury is incurred then treatment should be obtained from the staff member's own doctor, unless treatment is required immediately from a First Aider.
   
   If a doctor is consulted the staff member must advise him or her that the injury is work related and obtain a Workers Compensation Medical Certificate from the doctor.The staff member must then make a Workers Compensation Claim.
   
   
4. All accidents and incidents must be immediately reported orally to the supervisor of the staff member concerned and to the Area Health and Safety Representative.
   
   
5. The person involved in the accident must complete an "Accident/Incident Report Form" as soon as practicable and forward it on to their supervisor who completes the section at the back of the form. These forms and WorkCover "Worker Report Forms" are available from the School office, and the OH&S Unit. The Accident/Incident Report Form can also be printed by clicking here.
   
   
6. Where, due to the accident, the person concerned is unable to complete an "Accident/Incident Report Form" then arrangements must be made for his or her supervisor to complete the form. These forms must be completed no later than 24 hours after the accident/incident.
   
   
7. The completed form must be forwarded to the supervisor concerned who undertakes an investigation of the accident/incident and completes the section at the back of the form. The supervisor may suggest alternative measures which could prevent a similar accident occurring in the future. The completed form must then be sent to the Head of the OH&S Unit, Flinders University, Registry Annexe.
   
   
8. If the supervisor is absent from work the staff member must forward the form directly to the Occupational Health and Safety Unit.
   
   
9. The University is required, pursuant to the Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Act, 1986 and via the Occupational Health and Safety Unit to notify Workplace Services of all work injuries which occur where:

(1) that injury results in the death of a staff member;

and/or;

(2) injury is caused by:

i. an explosion or fire;

ii. electric shock; or

iii exposure to any form of liquid, gas, vapours, dust or fumes;

and;

(3) the injury results in the person being admitted to hospital overnight.

10. Where an accident occurs which involves only damage to equipment, plant or a building, immediate notification, for insurance purposes must be given to the Insurance Officer, (8201 2618). Such accidents must also be reported to the Occupational Health and Safety Unit as noted above.

11. If an injury has occurred that has resulted in 3 or more days off work then the Head of the OH&S Unit must be advised.

Making a Workers Compensation Claim

If a staff member is injured during working hours they are entitled to lodge a workers compensation claim.

To place a workers compensation claim the staff member must consult a doctor (registered medical practitioner).

The staff member must advise the treating doctor that the injury is work related and obtain a Workers Compensation Medical Certificate from the doctor.

The staff member must also complete a WorkCover "Worker Report Form" available from the Occupational Health & Safety Unit.

The completed WorkCover "Worker Report Form", University "Accident/Incident Report Form" and Workers Compensation Medical Certificate should be sent to the Occupational Health and Safety Unit. The OH&S Unit will forward the claim to the Claims Management Unit for assessment.

The staff member is legally responsible for all medical and associated costs until the Claims Management Unit has accepted the claim. Accounts should therefore be addressed to the staff member NOT the University, please advise treatment providers of this.

 

 

Updated: November 2007