The incident investigation and risk assessment process in Australia is a structured approach to managing workplace safety. When an incident occurs, the investigation begins with immediate actions to secure the scene and provide medical attention if necessary. This is followed by gathering evidence, such as photographs, videos, and physical items, and interviewing witnesses to collect firsthand accounts of the incident.

The investigation team, typically comprising safety officers and relevant personnel, analyzes the data to identify the root causes and contributing factors. This analysis often involves techniques like root cause analysis (RCA) or the 5 Whys method. Once the causes are determined, the team develops corrective actions to prevent similar incidents in the future. These actions may include changes in procedures, additional training, or equipment modifications.

Simultaneously, risk assessment is conducted to proactively identify potential hazards and assess the risks associated with various workplace activities. This process involves identifying hazards, evaluating the likelihood and severity of potential incidents, and determining the level of risk. Control measures are then implemented to mitigate or eliminate the identified risks, following the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Both incident investigation and risk assessment processes are guided by Australian standards and regulations, such as those from Safe Work Australia and relevant industry codes of practice. Documentation of findings and actions taken is crucial for legal compliance and ongoing safety improvement.