Like Family recognises that the health and safety of its Members, Social Carers and Employees is a priority and that if accidents or incidents do occur, they should be reported.
As an organisation we are committed to preventing workplace accidents and minimising dangerous occurrences. We endeavour to have a zero accident rate.
This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, contractors, and visitors under the control of Like Family. It has been developed to ensure that all of the aforementioned parties understand the process for reporting in the event of a dangerous occurrence or accident.
What is an Incident?
An incident is any occurrence that results in or has the potential to result in illness, injury, or damage to property, equipment, material, vehicles, or the environment. It also includes any incidents or issues relating to a Social Carer or Member's overall safety and well-being.
How do I report an incident to Like Family?
For Aged Care clients and Members without NDIS funding
If you are involved in or aware of the potential for an incident to occur as it is defined in this document, you must report it to Like Family within 24 hours of the incident occurring. To report an incident:
- Complete our Online Incident Report by clicking HERE.
- Like Family will assess and investigate the incident and provide further instruction on any further requirements on a case by case basis.
- The record provided will be kept on file and actioned accordingly.
If you are unable to complete the form without assistance, please call Like Family on 1800 545 332 or email hello@likefamily.com.au.
For NDIS Participants
If you are involved in or aware of the potential for an incident to occur as it is defined in this document, you must report it to Like Family within 24 hours of the incident occurring. If more than 24 hours have elapsed since the incident took place, you must still report it at the earliest opportunity. This is because the NDIS Commission has specific timelines and guidelines for reporting that must be adhered to.
To report an incident:
- Complete our Online Incident Report by clicking HERE.
- Like Family will assess and investigate the incident and provide further instruction on any further requirements on a case by case basis.
- The record provided will be kept on file as per NDIS requirements and actioned accordingly.
- If a reportable incident takes place (see below), Like Family is required to forward all relevant information to the NDIS Commission.
If you are unable to complete the form without assistance, please call Like Family on 1800 545 332 or email hello@likefamily.com.au.
NDIS Reportable Incidents
Like Family is required to forward all relevant information about reportable incidents (including the submitted incident report) to the NDIS Commission. The Commission has specific timelines and guidelines for reporting that must be adhered to, which is why we must be made aware of an incident or potential for an incident at the earliest opportunity.
A reportable incident is an incident (or allegation) that involves:
- the death of an NDIS participant
- serious injury of an NDIS participant
- abuse or neglect of an NDIS participant
- unlawful sexual or physical contact with, or assault of, an NDIS participant sexual misconduct committed against, or in the presence of, an NDIS participant, including grooming of the NDIS participant for sexual activity
- the unauthorised use of restrictive practice in relation to an NDIS participant.
Emergency Situations
Should the incident potentially result in serious injury or the loss of life, emergency services must be contacted via 000 first, and Like Family must be notified immediately after. Under no circumstances are you to disturb the site until authorities or an inspector arrive.
The above does not apply if the disturbance to the site is for the purpose of:
- protecting the health and safety of any person; or
- aiding an injured person involved in an incident; or
- taking essential action to make the scene safe or to prevent a further occurrence of an incident.
If you have any further questions or concerns regarding incident reporting, please call our team on 1800 545 332 or email hello@likefamily.com.au.