Incident reporting

It is important to be able to describe an incident after it has happened. As well as being a legal requirement in many situations, accurate records are an important part of identifying any problems which can be avoided in the future.

To learn how to steer your success as a team leader, the ARA Retail Institute runs multiple workshops on leadership and retail planning. For more information visit the ARA Retail Institute below.

{{cta(‘fc8ae057-d0f2-40c9-8d2b-421054267d55′,’justifycenter’)}}

Most retailers in Australia follow specific accident, illness and injury reporting and recording procedures after a workplace incident or accident. All team members will need to know how to correctly report and record what happened if they are involved in, or are witness to a workplace incident or accident.

The need for incident report forms

The information in incident reports will highlight the area, occupation, injury or illness, incident type and time of the incident. This information can help to:

  • Identify hazards, assess risks and initiate possible suitable risk control measures.
  • Identify unsafe work practices or situations
  • Identify training needs
  • Suggest new or changed procedures

Incident reports should give the organisation a broad indication of the effectiveness of their health and safety system.

Here is an example of an incident report form:

ARA_whs-incident-report-example

Roles and responsibilities in reporting incidents

The individual completing the incident report, needs to take care to ensure that the report:

  • States who was involved (names, position in store).
  • Describes in detail what happened (what/where/when/who).
  • Lists the actions taken, and by whom.
  • Describes any damage or injury in everyday terms.

The report should be clear and easy to read. The report should only document the actual facts, it should not be opinion or judgement based. The form should not contain any ‘best guesses’ for example: suggesting what the cause might be, or who may be to blame.

About ARA Retail Institute 

ARA Retail Institute is Australia’s leading retail training provider for both accredited and non-accredited learning programs. For more information, please visit: www.retailinstitute.org.au

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

FURTHER READING

Retail Voice CEO Message: 29 March 2023

With the New South Wales state election complete, we now have a Labor government in place in every state except Tasmania and an 18 month window without any elections occurring.  
 
This provides a period where we may see significant reform and potentially for national alignment in key policy areas across Australia.  

The rich tapestry of neurodiversity

There is a slow shift towards incorporating design aspects that create more inclusive shopping experiences for customers of all neurotypes. Retailers willing to explore this hidden customer segment can deliver a more easy, engaging and inclusive experience both in-store and online.

Retail Voice CEO Message: 15 March 2023

Retail crime continues to be a concern with many businesses recording an increase in shoplifting. 
 
In the latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data coming out of New South Wales, retail theft increased 23.7% year-on-year.