Last reviewed: November 2026
Four free forms for manufacturing sites, each as a PDF and Word file with a filled-in example: root cause analysis, chemical spill report, contractor induction and non-conformance report.
Root cause analysis
Work back from an incident or defect with the 5 Whys, then set actions so it doesn't happen again.
See template & example →
Chemical spill report
Record the spill, the response, any exposure, clean-up and disposal, and who was notified.
See template & example →
Contractor induction
Sign contractors in and record the site rules, hazards and emergency procedures they were taken through.
See template & example →
Non-conformance report
Record a product or process that's out of spec, its disposition, root cause and corrective action.
See template & example →
Something went wrong and you need to know why, whether it's an injury, a near miss or a recurring defect: root cause analysis.
A chemical, oil or fuel has leaked or spilled on site: chemical spill report.
A contractor or visitor is starting work on your site: contractor induction.
A product, part or process doesn't meet its specification: non-conformance report.
These forms often link up. A spill or a non-conformance can lead to a root cause analysis, and an injury should start with an incident report. Get the free incident report template
Facts first: what happened, where, when, and who was involved, written while it's fresh.
Photos and evidence attached, not described from memory days later.
Actions with an owner and a due date, not just a description of the problem.
A check that the actions worked, and a sign-off when the record is closed.
Records kept where you can find them for audits, insurers and regulators.
Root cause analysis, spill reports and inductions are mostly about work health and safety. Non-conformance reports come from quality management, and many manufacturers follow ISO 9001
Some spills must also be reported to your state's environment protection authority, not just your safety regulator. See NSW EPA's duty to notify pollution incidents
Doing maintenance on plant? See the free permit templates
Running forklifts or checking machine guards? See the free pre-start checklists
Most states and territories follow the model work health and safety laws, but Victoria has its own OHS laws, and guidance differs between regulators. We're not a regulator, so check yours before you rely on any template:
Notifiable incidents: Safe Work Australia's incident notification guidance
Hazardous chemicals: Safe Work Australia's hazardous chemicals code
Managing risks: Safe Work Australia's code on how to manage WHS risks
Not always. A quick review may be enough for a minor event, but serious incidents, near misses with high potential and repeat problems are worth a proper root cause analysis so the fix targets the cause, not just the symptom.
It can be. Some spills must be reported to your WHS regulator, and some pollution incidents to your state's environment protection authority. Check both, and see Safe Work Australia's incident notification guidance
Generally, workers need the information, training and instruction to do their work safely, and that includes contractors. A site induction is the usual way to cover your site's hazards, rules and emergency procedures before they start.
Not usually. It's a quality record for products or processes that don't meet their specification. It can overlap with safety when a defect creates a hazard, in which case run it alongside your incident and root cause processes.
Yes. Send us one of these forms, or the one you already use, and we can set it up in the Shadow Forms app so your team can fill it in, add photos and sign on their phones. Upload a form
General information only, not legal advice. Check your state or territory regulator.
Send us the forms you already use, or these ones, and we'll set them up in the Shadow Forms app with photos and sign-off, no obligation.
Questions? Email us at info@neonroom.com.au
