By law, certain workplace health and safety incidents must be immediately reported to SafeWork NSW. These incidents may involve an employee, contractor or member of the public.

Significant penalties apply if you fail to report a notifiable incident.

Incidents you must report are:

  • the death of a person
  • a serious injury or illness
  • a dangerous incident, even if no one is injured.

Notify SafeWork NSW immediately when you become aware of a notifiable incident: call 13 10 50.

As well as providing first aid where required, you must also:

  • secure the site and take care not to disturb anything until an inspector attends to carry out an investigation
  • record the incident in the register of injuries
  • notify your insurer within 48 hours.

Visit SafeWork NSW Incident notification.

Last updated: 11 August 2025

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