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At a glance
Strong WHS systems make it easy for workers to report hazards and near misses, and ensure issues are triaged, actioned and closed with evidence. Incidents should be investigated to prevent recurrence—not to assign blame.
This topic hub covers practical hazard-to-closure workflows and incident investigation guidance tailored to early childhood services.
What you’ll find in this topic
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Hazard reporting: what to report and how to capture useful details
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Risk assessments: when they’re needed and how to keep them meaningful
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Hierarchy of controls: choosing controls that reduce exposure in practice
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Corrective actions: assigning owners, due dates and “definition of done”
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Closing and reviewing hazards: verifying controls and communicating back
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Risk registers: keeping a simple, usable register (not a document graveyard)
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Near misses: capturing learning before someone is injured
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Incident investigation: contributing factors, underlying causes, repeat analysis
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Regulator notification: prompts to check jurisdictional requirements
Hazards and incidents
What is the hazard?
A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm (physical or psychological). A second hazard is process failure—when hazards and near misses are reported but not triaged, actioned, verified and closed.
Why is it relevant to early childhood?
ECEC hazards can escalate quickly due to hands-on work, supervision demands, time pressure, and shared environments. If reporting doesn’t lead to action, staff stop reporting and risks repeat.
What does good practice look like?
A simple hazard-to-closure workflow that staff trust:
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Easy reporting (including photos where helpful)
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Consistent triage (urgent vs planned) and temporary controls when needed
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Meaningful risk assessment when required (not paperwork for everything)
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Actions assigned with owners, due dates and “definition of done”
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Closure with evidence and communication back to the reporter
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Trend review for repeat hazards/incidents and stuck actions
What should the service review?
☐ Are hazards and near misses being captured consistently?
☐ Are urgent hazards controlled immediately?
☐ Are actions assigned clearly and tracked to closure?
☐ Do reporters receive feedback?
☐ Are repeat hazards/incidents analysed for patterns?
☐ Are investigations focused on contributing factors (not blame)?
What documents or evidence should exist?
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Hazard/near miss log or forms
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Triage guidance (simple rules)
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Risk assessments for higher-risk issues
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Corrective action register with closure evidence
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Investigation notes (facts + contributing factors + actions)
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Trend review notes (monthly/quarterly)
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Regulator notification records (if applicable)
Which juristictional sources apply?
Australia-wide guidance: Safe Work Australia (model WHS laws and codes).
Also check the regulator for where the work is performed: NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, NT, ACT, and Comcare (Commonwealth).
Downloads / training
Coming soon:
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Hazard-to-closure checklist
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Corrective action register template
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Incident investigation checklist (ECEC)
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Toolbox talk: reporting hazards that get fixed
Disclaimer
General information only. This resource is not legal advice and does not replace jurisdiction-specific advice, worker consultation or workplace risk assessment. Requirements may change. Always check the relevant regulator and obtain professional advice where appropriate.
