Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why do I have to complete an incident and hazard on-line report form for a ‘near miss' or a minor accident?
2. Who is my Safety & Health Representative?
3. If I find a hazard, why shouldn't I go directly to WorkSafe?
4. How do I deal with a maintenance or grounds problem that is causing a hazard. Do I call EduSafe?
5. When am I entitled to claim workers compensation?
6. What is Injury Management?
7. I've been injured at work – what should I do?
8. Who is responsible for paying for changes to the working environment or purchase of equipment recommended on safety grounds?
9. Am I covered for workers' compensation when I am interstate or overseas?
10. How do I report an incident or hazard?

1. Why do I have to complete an incident and hazard form for a ‘near miss' or a minor accident?

It is important that an Incident & Hazard Report on-line form is completed on every occasion. This assists management and EduSafe to put in place controls to help prevent a more severe accident or a repeat accident. It also helps us determine if there are any problem areas on the campus that need special attention, especially if there appear to be a number of similar incidents.

2. Who is my Safety & Health Representative?

Go to the Safety & Health Representative link and contact any one of the reps who are listed in your Division or Area – they will not necessarily be situated in your building. They will be pleased to assist you. If you are unable to identify a representative to assist you may contact EduSafe for help on 4900 or edusafe@curtin.edu.au.

3. If I find a hazard, why shouldn't I go directly to WorkSafe?

The University has a Resolution of Issues process which must be followed. The Occupational Safety& Health Act 1984, Section 24, states that attempts should be made to resolve issues relating to occupational health & safety by using the relevant procedure which has been agreed to between the employer and employees Only when all avenues of the Resolution of Issues procedure have been exhausted and there is a risk of imminent and serious injury may an employee notify a WorkSafe inspector.

4. How do I deal with a maintenance or grounds problem that is causing a hazard. Do I call EduSafe?

You should complete an Incident & Hazard Report on-line form or |PDF file| for all incidents and hazards you become aware of. As you complete Part B of the form you may discover that corrective or preventative measures need to be taken by either maintenance or grounds to control the hazard.

You should then call the Facilities Management Service Coordination Centre on:

Extension 2020

to request the work to be carried out. This is then noted on the Incident & Hazard Report from under "Actions taken to address system failure".

5. When am I entitled to claim workers compensation?

You are entitled to claim worker's compensation if:

1. You have a work related injury or disease and
2. You need medical treatment and/ or
3. You cannot work for a period of time due to subsequent disability

6. What is Injury Management?

The EduSafe Injury Managers provide expertise in manual handling, hazard management, worksite analysis & redesign, ergonomics and office safety. They also provide expert advice in workers compensation legislation and assist employees and management in workers compensation case management, return to work or redeployment programmes, stress management, and provide advice in the prevention and management of workplace injury or illness.

7. I've been injured at work – what should I do?

After receiving first aid for a work related illness or injury, the first thing you must do is to tell your employer/ supervisor and seek medical attention if required.

The medical practitioner will complete a "first medical certificate" which you should send to EduSafe as soon as possible. EduSafe will send out a worker's compensation pack, that contains all the forms and full instructions on how to lodge a claim for workers' compensation.

8. Who is responsible for paying for changes to the working environment or purchase of equipment recommended on safety grounds?

The management of the School, Area or Office that you work in is responsible for providing and maintaining the workplace such that staff, students and visitors are not exposed to hazards. It is therefore the School, Area or Office's responsibility to fund changes to the workplace or purchase of equipment for safety purposes. There may be funding assistance available through your Division. You may also contact EduSafe for advice on any other University resources available to assist.

9. Am I covered for workers' compensation when I am interstate or overseas?

Yes. You may claim for workers' compensation for any work-related injury or illness anywhere in the world subject to the standard provisions of the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 1981.

10. How do I report an incident or hazard?

Complete the on-line reporting form.