Duty to notify and report accidents and dangerous occurrences to NOPSEMA

Facility operators are reminded of their duty to notify and report accidents and dangerous occurrences to NOPSEMA, and that failure to do so is an offence of strict liability.

Operators must notify and report to NOPSEMA, as soon as practicable, any accident that causes death or serious injury to any individual at or near the facility, and where a member of the workforce is incapacitated from performing work for three or more days. Any occurrence that did not, but could reasonably have caused an accident, or that a reasonable operator would consider requires an immediate investigation must also be notified to NOPSEMA. If there is any doubt as to whether an injury is considered serious or not a notification should be made.

To notify NOPSEMA of an accident or dangerous occurrence call 1300 674 472. If in doubt, notify NOPSEMA.

NOPSEMA’s dedicated incident phone line will be answered directly, at any time, for all urgent matters such as a fatality, serious injury, fire, explosion, or emergency abandonment and where the operator is seeking approval to disturb the site of an accident or dangerous occurrence. For other matters, operators may leave a voicemail with their contact details and their call will be returned within two hours, for calls made between 0800hrs to 2200hrs AWST, or as soon as possible on the following day.

For more information see the Notification and reporting of accidents and dangerous occurrences guidance note.