WHO NEEDS THIS LETTER?

This letter is required for employees who have been appointed to investigate any accidents or incidents which may occur in the workplace.

WHAT IS THIS LETTER FOR?

This letter shows that an Accident/Incident Investigator has been appointed to conduct and record details of any accidents or incidents which occur in the workplace, according to the requirements of the OHS Act. The letter allows these persons to act under the authority of the 16(2) in order to conduct accident or incident investigations in the interests of health and safety in the business.

WHY IS THIS LETTER IMPORTANT?

This letter shows that a person has been appointed to conduct investigations of any incidents or accidents when they occur in the workplace. This provides evidence to an inspector that a basic structure is in place for investigating workplace incidents and accidents so their causes can be correctly identified. This letter is mandatory under section 9(2) of the General Administrative Regulations of the OHS Act and its availability shows that the employer is complying with these Regulations in respects of this appointment requirement. 

VALIDITY

This letter needs to be signed by the 16(2) (as the appointer) and by the appointee, dated and kept on record where it can be accessible to an inspector. A time period must be included for the appointment. Each appointee must undergo accredited accident and incident investigator training in order to be competent to perform these duties.

HOW DOES THIS WORK AS A CONTROL MEASURE?

In the hierarchy of controls this letter forms part of the administrative control measures which should be in place to ensure that accidents and incidents in the workplace are managed and their causes determined. This letter ensures that a responsible person is appointed to investigate accidents and incidents in the workplace and to assist in preventing their recurrence.