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.