Serious Event Reporting
Practice Library

Serious Event Reporting

When, to whom and why do we report serious events.

15-20 minutes
Foundation
Last updated Jun 2026

What You'll Learn

This PracticeLab quiz helps you revisit the essential concepts that guide safe, quality practice. Answer the questions, read the explanations, and build confidence in the knowledge you bring to your role.

  1. 1

    Understanding Event Severity Levels

    Learn to distinguish between critical events, serious events, and minor events based on actual or likely consequences to people, property, reputation, and operations. Understand how severity determines reporting urgency and escalation requirements.

  2. 2

    Reporting Timeframes and Escalation Pathways

    Master the correct timeframes for reporting different risk levels (immediate, 24 hours, or within two working days) and understand when to escalate to next level management, senior leadership, Board, and external agencies.

  3. 3

    Critical Event Scenarios and External Notifications

    Identify critical events requiring immediate action including deaths, serious injuries, notifiable events, privacy breaches, drug offences, and abuse allegations. Learn which external agencies to notify including Police, WorkSafe, Whaikaha, Privacy Commissioner, and regulatory bodies.

  4. 4

    Post-Incident Response and Contractual Obligations

    Understand your role in post-incident response including risk management, documentation requirements, and continuous improvement. Learn key contractual obligations for Disability Support Services, Oranga Tamariki, and WorkSafe notifiable events.