The 60 minutes
The first hour after impact
- Minute 0–5 — barricade the aisle, stop forklift traffic in the row.
- Minute 5–15 — unload the affected bay onto the floor or a safe neighbour.
- Minute 15–30 — photograph damage from 4 angles with tape or ruler in frame.
- Minute 30–45 — interview the operator while details are fresh.
- Minute 45–60 — log the incident in writing and notify the PCBU.
The defensive position
Documenting these six steps in writing is what stands between you and a contested insurance claim or a WHS prosecution. The 60-minute rule exists because regulators and insurers expect it.
The log entry
What goes into the incident log
| Field | Detail required |
|---|---|
| Date & time | To the minute |
| Location | Aisle, bay, frame number |
| Operator | Name and HRWL number |
| Forklift | Asset number and last service date |
| Description | Plain-language account of what happened |
| Damage observed | Component, mm measurement, RAG rating |
| Photos | Filenames or attached images |
| Action taken | Bay unloaded, barricaded, repair booked |
| Sign-off | PCBU signature and date |
Notification
When to notify the regulator
Most minor impacts are not notifiable, but anything that caused or could have caused serious injury — including partial collapse, falling stock or near-miss to a person — must be reported within 24 hours.
- QLD — Workplace Health and Safety Queensland on 1300 369 915.
- NSW — SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50.
- Preserve the scene until the regulator releases it.
- Written notification within 48 hours.
- Include photos, witness statements and the incident log.
Aftermath
Closing the incident
An incident is not closed when the bay is empty — it's closed when the competent person has signed off the repair and the load notice is restored to its original capacity. Incomplete closures are the most common weakness regulators find when reviewing warehouse incident logs.