OHS Classifications
Background
Clearly and consistently classifying our OHS records allows focused action to reduce our exposure to risks. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) related classifications are applied to reports to code various aspects in a consistent fashion. OHS related procedures that utilize these classifications include:
It is important to classify OHS data consistently so that reporting can identify:
- Trends within areas of particular hazards.
- Areas of concern.
- Produce data that can be compared between organizations.
Where relevant, Monash University has aligned with the Type of Occurrence Classification System (TOOCS). TOOCS was selected because it:
- Provides a consistent set of classifications that work for Monash University.
- Provides a thorough depth of classification if/when required.
- Has had significant uptake from other Victorian Organisations.
OH&S welcomes any feedback you may have on these classifications. Should any hazard or incident prove difficult to classify, please either:
- Call the OHS Helpline on 990 20222.
- Email the OHS Helpline.
- Contact your OHS Consultant or Advisor for further assistance.
Definitions
Activity
The activity is a task or process being undertaken e.g. the procurement of goods and/or services, travelling, using equipment, using chemicals and/or other hazardous items conducting field work or engaging with other people.
For example this could be office work, even if the person was currently on placement, if the activity at the time was specifically office based activities.
The complete list of activities can be found below.
Agency of Injury
Agency of injury is the specific object, item, substance, material, or structure that was directly or principally involved in, or most closely associated with, the point at which things started to go wrong and which ultimately led to the most serious injury or disease.
For example this can include a knife in the case of being cut, or fire and smoke in the case of smoke inhalation. The complete list of agencies can be found below.
Mechanism of Injury
Mechanism of injury is how an injury was or may have been sustained. This is the general action, exposure or event that best describes the circumstances that did or may have resulted in the most serious injury or disease. This is referred to as Risk Factor in the risk assessment module.
For example this can include getting trapped between two things, falling down from somewhere, or being poisoned by something. The complete list of mechanisms can be found below.
Nature of Injury (Incident reports only)
This is the type of injury or disease that was sustained as a result of the incident, or the most serious injury or disease sustained or suffered by the worker. The injury or disease suffered is generally physical although the classification includes categories for psychosocial harm.