Report a work health and safety concern

WHS concern form

Use this form to report a work health and safety concern to Comcare.

What you can use the form for 

You can use this form to tell us about an apparent risk to a person’s health and safety at a workplace or arising from work.

You can also use it to seek assistance from Comcare under one of these sections of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011(Cth) (WHS Act)

• Section 54 – failure of negotiations to determine work groups
• Section 56 – failure of negotiations to determine work groups of multiple businesses
• Section 71 – refusing workplace access to a person assisting a HSR
• Section 72 – failure to reach agreement regarding HSR training
• Section 76 – failure to negotiate the constitution of a health and safety committee
• Section 82 – failure to resolve a WHS issue
• Section 89 – failure to resolve an issue arising from cessation of work
• Section 100 – review of a provisional improvement notice
• Section 141 – WHS right of entry dispute.

This form is not for matters where there is a legal duty to notify Comcare of a notifiable incident. For these, see Notifications to Comcare 

If you are a worker

We encourage you first to raise your concern with your employer or your health and safety representative (HSR), if safe and appropriate to do so. This ensures that your employer is aware of the concern and gives them an opportunity to resolve the issue.

Help with the form

If you have questions or need help, email us at WHS.help@comcare.gov.au or call us on 1300 366 979.

How to submit the form

Email the completed form to WHS.help@comcare.gov.au. 

Please do not attach supporting documents. If necessary, we will contact you for supporting information.

After you submit the form

We will respond to you within 5 business days. We will advise you of actions that Comcare may take and will also let you know if there is another agency or support you can contact. 

Comcare’s role as the WHS regulator

In its role as the national WHS regulator, Comcare monitors and enforces the WHS Act. The management of workers’ compensation claims is not part of Comcare’s role as the national WHS regulator. For workers’ compensation claims matters, call the Comcare general enquiry line on 1300 366 979. 

Comcare does not advocate on behalf of individuals, provide legal advice, mediate between parties or remove alleged bullies from a workplace.

Other regulators and authorities

• Disputes about termination, pay and conditions should be referred to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
• Complaints about discrimination and harassment in the workplace may require referral to the Australian Human Rights Commission.
• The Merit Protection Commissioner (MPC) is an independent statutory office holder providing services to the Australian Public Service and the Parliamentary Service. The MPC can review employees’ concerns about matters affecting their employment, such as recruitment, discipline (misconduct), and performance management.
• Some forms of workplace violence and aggression, including harassment, may also be criminal offences and should be reported to the police.