This procedure outlines how staff should report hazards identified in the workplace.
Hazard reporting helps prevent injuries, incidents, property damage, and near misses by allowing risks to be identified and managed before somebody gets hurt.
Reporting a hazard is not about getting people into trouble. It is about keeping our workplace safe.
When Would I Use This Procedure?
Use this procedure if you identify something that could cause injury, illness, property damage, environmental harm, or a near miss.
Examples include:
- Water on the floor.
- Damaged shelving.
- Faulty equipment.
- Damaged electrical leads.
- Blocked exits.
- Unsafe lifting practices.
- Falling stock risks.
- Vehicle or traffic hazards.
- Aggressive or threatening behaviour.
- Workplace bullying, harassment or psychosocial hazards.
If somebody has already been injured, refer to KASSI - Injury & Incident Response.
Immediate Actions
If it is safe to do so:
- Make the hazard safe.
- Prevent access to the hazard.
- Warn others of the risk.
- Notify a manager or PIC.
- Complete a Hazard Report Form as soon as practical.
Do not walk away from an active hazard.
If you identify a hazard that presents an immediate risk to customers, staff, or visitors:
- Remain at or near the hazard where practical.
- Warn others of the risk.
- Send another team member to obtain signs, barriers, equipment, or assistance.
- If working alone, take immediate steps to make the area safe before leaving to obtain additional equipment.
Examples:
- Place a wet floor sign near a spill.
- Remove damaged equipment from service.
- Restrict access to an unsafe area.
- Isolate faulty equipment.
- Stand near a spill and direct customers away until signage arrives.
Do not place yourself at risk while attempting to control a hazard.
Urgent Hazards
Immediately escalate hazards that present an immediate risk of serious injury or damage.
Examples:
- Exposed electrical wiring.
- Structural damage.
- Fire risks.
- Gas leaks.
- Serious threats or violence.
- Any situation requiring emergency services.
If there is an immediate threat to life or safety, call 000.
Manager Responsibilities
Managers and PICs must ensure:
- The hazard is assessed.
- Appropriate controls are implemented.
- Hazard reports are reviewed.
- Photos and supporting information are retained where required.
- Other managers are notified where appropriate.
- Staff are informed of any controls or changes implemented.
- Discussed in the safety meeting on Tuesday
Managers may delegate actions but remain responsible for ensuring the hazard is appropriately managed.
Hazard Closure
A hazard report is not complete until:
- The hazard has been assessed.
- Appropriate controls have been implemented.
- Any required follow-up actions have been completed.
- The risk has been reduced as far as reasonably practicable.
Key Reminders
- Report hazards as soon as they are identified.
- Do not assume somebody else has reported it.
- If in doubt, report it.
- Small hazards often become larger incidents if ignored.
- Hazard reporting helps prevent injuries before they occur.
Related Procedures
- KASSI - Injury & Incident Response
Keywords
hazard, hazard report, unsafe, safety concern, trip hazard, wet floor, damaged equipment, electrical hazard, manual handling, psychosocial hazard, bullying, harassment, near miss, unsafe behaviour, risk, safety