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Reporting accidents and incidents

All electricity and fuel gas accidents/incidents that occur in Western Australia should be reported.

Electrical shocks, accidents and fatalities

The Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 require that all electric shocks and accidents (including electrical fatalties), irrespective of their seriousness, must be reported to:

  • the employer (if relevant); and 
  • the relevant network operator (supply authority). If the person making the report cannot identify the network operator, the fact must be reported to EnergySafety.

When the incident is reported to the employer, the employer is also required to report the occurrence to the relevant network operator (or EnergySafety if the network operator cannot be identified).

To contact the Relevant Network Operator:

  • Western Power: 131 351
  • Horizon Power: 132 351
  • Rio Tinto: 1800 992 777
  • BHP Billiton Newman: 1800 677 639
  • BHP Billiton Nickel West: 9026 5262

Note: All electrical fatalities must also be reported to EnergySafety.

What are electric shocks, incidents and accidents?

An electric shock is defined as an incident which does not require medical or first aid treatment.

An incident is where NO injuries are sustained, but precautionary medical treatment is sought.

An electric accident is defined as an incident which requires medical or first aid treatment and includes fatalities.

Reporting to EnergySafety

Electric shocks and accidents that are to be reported to EnergySafety should be telephoned using Freecall 1800 678 198 (all hours, from anywhere in Western Australia). During business hours, the calls are diverted to EnergySafety's Cannington office (08) 9422 5200. Outside of business hours, the calls are diverted to an after-hours answering service. This freecall number only applies to incidents, accidents and shocks that occur within Western Australia.

Gas incidents

Regulation 42 of the Gas Standards (Gasfitting and Consumer Gas Installations) Regulations 1999 requires that all incidents, such as near misses, injury to persons or property damage relating to fuel gas (Natural Gas, LP Gas, CNG, LNG), must be reported to:

  • the relevant gas supplier; and
  • the Director of Energy Safety.

Part 4, Division 4 of the Gas Standards (Gas Supply and System Safety) Regulations 2000 requires network operators to notify the Director of Energy Safety of all 'notifiable incidents' (defined in the regulations). Networks operators are also required to investigate and report on notifiable incidents.

Reporting to EnergySafety

Incidents related to the use of gas that are to be reported to EnergySafety should be telephoned using Freecall 1800 678 198 (all hours, from anywhere in Western Australia). During business hours, the calls are diverted to EnergySafety's Cannington Office (08) 9422 5200. Outside of business hours, the calls are diverted to an after-hours answering service. This freecall number only applies to incidents and accidents that occur within Western Australia.