Regulator Urges Workers to Anonymously Report Safety Concerns

Workers are being urged to anonymously report hazards and incidents to health and safety regulators when they feel their workplace can’t, or wont, manage their concerns.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Ian Munns said workers should feel reassured that reports and complaints can be made to WorkSafe in confidence.

“There are a number of ways in which workers can report workplace hazards or incidents to WorkSafe without fear of their identity being disclosed to others.”

“Online reporting allows reports to be made at any time of day or night, from home or any other location if the person feels they need privacy. Contact details must be given so an inspector can follow up the report, but the inspector will not divulge the source of the report when they visit the workplace.”

When contact details are provided, a reference number is given that confirms the report has been made and allows the person making the report to add further information at a later date or speak to an inspector about the progress of an investigation.

Munns said that while WorkSafe still encourages hazards and incidents to initially be reported to the employer or an elected safety and health representative, it is still important to know that escalation options do exist.

“If consultation does not resolve the issue, or if a worker does not feel comfortable reporting within the workplace, they can report the matter to WorkSafe and request an inspector’s intervention.”

“It is sometimes reported that it is not possible to anonymously report hazards or incidents to WorkSafe or to keep a report confidential, but that is not the case.”

More information on making a report, including the link to the online reporting service, can be found here.

Telephone reports can be made on 1300 307877.