Accident or incident?

Clarifying the difference between 'accidents' and 'incidents' could help employers and employees to realise and accept responsibility for their actions, asserts Mentor Training.

"People tend to overuse the word 'accident'," says technical manager, Steve Baldwin. "It seems to imply a certain degree of random inevitability, and if people adopt the attitude that 'accidents' at work are unavoidable and happen by chance, then they are much less likely to take important preventative measures.

"In most instances, the term 'incident' is more appropriate. In the context of safety, this would apply to any event which gives cause for concern. It is far more accurate as it makes no assumptions." Incidents should include near misses, and reports of dangerous actions, as well as events in which there is harm to people and property. Mentor is keen these should be investigated so that lessons can be learned and changes can be made.