INCIDENT Vs ACCIDENT | A Simple Walk |
Incident vs. Accident: Understanding the Key Differences In safety-critical fields such as workplace management, IT, and emergency response, the terms incident and accident are often used interchangeably. However, distinguishing between the two is crucial. This understanding helps improve reporting accuracy, supports preventive measures, and strengthens overall risk management strategies. What Is an Incident? An incident refers to any unexpected or unplanned event that disrupts, or has the potential to disrupt, normal operations. While incidents may result in harm, they often do not. In many cases, they act as early warnings that something is wrong. Characteristics of an Incident: Unplanned : Occurs without prior notice or intent Disruptive or potentially disruptive : May interrupt operations or indicate underlying risk Varied in severity : Can range from a harmless anomaly to a critical issue No damage required : May include “near misses” where harm was narrowly avoided Examp...