Report a safety concern

Workers and members of the public who have safety concerns about a workplace can report the concern with NT WorkSafe. NT WorkSafe takes all safety concerns reported seriously and will determine the appropriate level of response, taking the potential or actual risk into account.

Before contacting us, we ask that the business or workplace is made aware of any safety concerns and given the opportunity to resolve it first.

If you are a worker:

  • Report your concern to your supervisor or manager, or via your workplaces hazard reporting system.
  • Report the concern with your health and safety representative and/or your union representative.

If you are a member of the public:

  • Report your concern with a supervisor or manager at the business or workplace.

If your concerns have not been appropriately resolved, or it is not practical to report your concerns, please use the online form below.

Information we need

You can assist us in responding to your concerns by providing us with the following information:

  • The exact nature of the safety concern;
  • The address of the workplace and location within that workplace where you have the safety concern;
  • The name and address of the business or individual in control of the workplace – phone, email or website; and
  • Any evidence that supports your concerns such as photos or videos.

The information below sets out what you can expect from us and what you can do to assist us when you raise a concern about work health and safety.

Our response

Your confidentiality is important and we will not intentionally reveal the source of the safety concern notification unless you provide your consent. However, depending on the nature of the safety concern raised, there may be limitations to keeping your identity private.

You can choose to remain anonymous when you report your safety concern, however if you do, we won’t be able to contact you if we need more, or to clarify information.

We will assess or ‘triage’ the concerns raised to determine the appropriate response in accordance with the National Compliance and Enforcement Policy within three to five business days.

Its a flow chart that shows the process that NT WorkSafe takes when taking safety concerns and triaging for action.

Response based on safety concern reported

  • If your safety concerns are outside our area of responsibility, we will tell you who to contact for assistance, or where possible, refer the matter to the relevant agency on your behalf.

  • If you have provided your contact details, we will try to contact you to ask for additional information in order to reassess your concerns.

  • When the concerns raised are of a moderate to high risk, an Inspector will attend the worksite to carry out enquiries into the safety concerns raised with NT WorkSafe. We aim to visit the relevant business(es) identified as soon as practicable with consideration given to the location, accessibility and need to coordinate with other government agencies.

  • Inspectors will commence enquires to verify information provided as part of a safety concern raised with NT WorkSafe. Depending on the level of health and safety risk assessed in the safety concern, Inspectors will either visit the worksite or contact the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) by phone or email as soon as practicable.

    If the concerns are verified, Inspectors will determine the appropriate regulatory response which may include:

    • Provide information and advice on the PCBU’s work health and safety obligations so they can take corrective action to address the safety concern.
    • Issue notices to direct the PCBU to comply with safety standards under our legislative framework.
    • Refer the matter to an NT WorkSafe Investigator who will investigate if there has been a potential breach of duty under the work health and safety laws.

  • Inspectors will follow up with a PCBU to ensure that corrective action in relation to a safety concern has been completed or notices issued have been remedied or complied with. This follow up generally occurs within three months of receiving your safety concern.

Last updated:
13 February 2023

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