What is a section 24 incident and what does it mean to a Construction Contractor?

Construction work is dangerous, and accidents do happen. An accident is our day-to-day term for a certain type of incident.
 
Section 24 of the OHS Act relates to employees, and the ''reporting of work-related incidents''.

Not all incidents are reportable.
 
Reportable incidents include events where any person:

• dies; 
• becomes unconscious;
• suffers the loss of a limb or part of a limb; or
• is otherwise injured or becomes ill to such a degree that he is likely either to die; or 
• suffer a permanent defect; or
• is likely to be unable for a period of at least 14 days either to work or to continue with the activity for which he was employed or is usually employed

The following incidents endangering the health and safety of any person must also be reported to an inspector:

• where a dangerous substance was spilled; 
• where the uncontrolled release of any substance under pressure took place;
• where machinery or any part thereof fractured or failed resulting in flying, falling or uncontrolled moving objects; or 
• where machinery ran out of control

 
So what do you do?
Prevent further incident, if you are competent to do so. You may be involved in the rescue of injured person/s if you are legally competent. Follow your Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan in your SHE file, where you will also find the contact details of the closest IOD centre, Hospital, Fire Department, DoEL, and other emergency role players.
DO NOT disturb the scene where the incident occurred without the consent of an inspector, unless it is to rescue a person from danger, prevent further incident, or remove the injured or dead.
Next, contact your supervisor, site manager, OHS officer or someone who is authorised to complete all the necessary admin work. If you are the CEO of your contracting business, and not properly qualified and conversant in OHS, it is recommended that you contact an OHS practitioner to assist you with the reporting and investigation.