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The Type of Occurrence Classification System (TOOCS)

The NOHSC Type of Occurrence Classification System (TOOCS) was developed for use in coding details of workers' compensation cases reported to workers' compensation agencies. Employers may also use the System for coding workplace injury and disease occurrences. Separate codes are available within TOOCS for recording the nature, bodily location, mechanism, breakdown agency and agency of the injury or disease involved in the incident.

The first edition of TOOCS was published in December 1990 and it has been periodically updated since, taking into account feedback from users. Revision 1 of the second edition of TOOCS (TOOCS2.1) was introduced from the 2002-03 reference period.

A third edition of TOOCS (TOOCS3) has been developed to align with the International Classification of Diseases – 10th Revision, Australian Modified version. This edition has also taken into account feedback received from users of the System, particularly relating to the coding of the mechanism and agency involved in the incident. Revision of the System has been part of the program of work associated with the review of the National Data Set for Compensation-based Statistics (NDS). TOOCS3 was implemented from 1 July 2005.

The TOOCS3 manual has been revised in consultation with jurisdictions to create TOOCS3.1. The following link provides a summary of all changes, including amendments to coding vehicle accidents under rule 10 and changes to the Agency chapter.

TOOCS3.1 manual updates - summary document (PDF 39kB)

Type of Occurrence Classification System, Third Edition Revision 1 May 2008    (673kB)

Type of Occurrence Classification System, Third Edition, March 2004 (PDF 557kB)

Type of Occurrence Classification System, Second Edition - Revision 1 (2.1) May 2002 (PDF 1.3MB)

Type of Occurrence Classification System, Second Edition - July 1999 (PDF 524kB)

TOOCS Decisions Register

Coding accepted workers' compensation claims using the TOOCS3 manual can sometimes be subjective and is often difficult. Coders from the various State and Territories frequently contact the Office of the ASCC to discuss specific coding queries. These queries have been collated and can be viewed in the documents below. It is anticipated that having these documents readily available will stimulate further discussion on coding issues and will lead to improvements in the quality of coding of workers' compensation claims. For coding queries or suggestions please contact info@ascc.gov.au.

TOOCS3.1 Decisions Register - Nature (PDF 34kB)

TOOCS3.1 Decisions Register - Bodily Location (PDF 13kB)

TOOCS3.1 Decisions Register - Mechanism (PDF 34kB)

TOOCS3.1 Decisions Register - Agency (including breakdown)   (PDF 67kB)