Safe Work Australia_ WHS Notifiable Incidents, Extended Absences and Suicides Handbook Dec 2025_update

The WHS regulator has released a handbook on Notifiable incidents for extended absence.

 A worker’s absence from work for 15+ consecutive calendar days due to an injury or illness (either physical or psychological) arising from the conduct of the business or undertaking. This includes an anticipated absence of 15+ consecutive calendar days based on a medical practitioner’s opinion.

Suicide/Attempted Suicide (including suspected) If any of the following links to work are present: occurs while working, or when the worker would ordinarily be working (not on leave)

occurred at or very close to the workplace occurred in work accommodation occurred while wearing their work uniform, when not ordinarily expected lethal means were accessed through work the worker experienced work-related psychological harm the worker has been exposed to frequent, prolonged or severe psychosocial hazards because of work there is other information suggesting a link to work.

Suicide or attempted suicide of a person other than a worker in the workplace (including suspected) Suicide or attempted suicide of a non-worker at a workplace where the suicide is a reasonably foreseeable risk due to the nature of the workplace (e.g. mental health unit, custodial setting) and there is one or more physical hazards that could be used in a suicide (e.g. lethal means present).

 The requirements outlined in this handbook do not apply unless adopted in your jurisdiction. Check with your WHS regulator.