ARTICLE · 11 FEBRUARY 2016

Workplace accident – Do you need a lawyer?

Kott Gunning

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Businesses should engage lawyers to assist them to manage all serious workplace incidents and accident investigations.

AustraliaEmployment and HR

Elise Croft (Previously With Kott Gunning)

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The steps a business should take following a workplace accident are sometimes unclear, particularly in light of the abundance of safety consultants and lawyers that practice in areas covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (WA) (OSH Act). Whilst larger organisations may have clear procedures that identify the steps to be taken, small and medium sized businesses often, for various reasons, do not. This is particularly the case when the business lacks a dedicated occupational safety and health manager.

If you are one of these businesses and you experience a workplace fatality, the immediate necessity of responding to danger, contacting emergency services and speaking to family members usually occurs automatically.

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