Workplace incidents and injuries can happen:
- while you are at work
- on a scheduled break
- travelling related to your job
- as a direct result of doing your job.
A workplace incident is an event that arises out of workplace activities and causes harm to people or property, or could cause harm (including near misses).
A workplace injury is any injury or illness caused by, or that happens in the course of, work. Workplace injuries can include the worsening of an existing condition.
Employees who are injured work can make a workers compensation claim.
Independent contractors aren’t usually entitled to workers compensation and are generally responsible for organising their own insurance.
Some serious injuries and incidents must be reported to the work health and safety (WHS) regulator in your state or territory.
It is important for organisations to plan for incidents and injuries before something happens.
Learn more about:
If you have been injured at work — Get the care you need as soon as you can. This can feel hard to do in the arts when ‘the show must go on’. But delays to looking after yourself can make your injuries even worse.
If you think your workplace is unsafe — Learn about reporting an unsafe workplace.
More in this section:
Planning for workplace injuries and incidents
Organisations and businesses should plan for managing workplace injuries and incidents before they happen. The best plans prioritise worker safety and making the workspace safe.
Dealing with a workplace incident
There are important actions to take if there is a safety incident in the workplace, including responding immediately to keep everyone safe and complying with the law.
Dealing with a workplace injury or illness
This page has information for workplaces and workers about how to manage an injury or illness that happens at work.
