Investigation

Low and medium risk incidents and hazards can be addressed by directly assigning actions unless a deeper investigation is needed.

Incidents and hazards that are rated as high risk or greater require investigation.

Investigation of Incidents are divided into two (2) categories, Level 1 and Level 2.

A Level 1 investigation is an incident or hazard that is not notifiable to the regulator and of a less serious nature, these incidents are to be investigated generally by the supervisor of the person reporting or involved in the incident. The “5-whys” investigation technique will be used in Keep Safe.

A Level 2 investigation is an incident or hazard that is either notifiable to the regulator or of a ‘serious nature’ and the investigation should be conducted by a suitably trained ICAM Investigator. The determination of what incidents are deemed a ‘serious nature’ is at the discretion of the Senior Manager, Health, Safety and Wellbeing in consultation with members of the WHS Committee and Management Group. The University maintains a number of qualified ICAM Investigators to be used in these circumstances.

In the event that an incident or hazard occurs involving a Student, Contractor or Visitor under the supervision of an academic, professional, or residential staff member, the relevant UNE staff member is responsible for completing the Level 1 Investigation, if the incident is deemed to be a Level 2 Incident then the Level 2 Investigation process applies as above.

Refer to the following self-help guide for a detailed explanation on how to review and investigate an incident or hazard report in Keep Safe: Reviewing & Investigating Incident or Hazard Reports (PDF, 448.31 KB)