What is defined as a near miss?

• Definition: An unplanned event that did not result in injury or damage but had the potential to.

• Example: A worker slips on a wet floor but regains balance and is not hurt.

• Why it matters: Near misses are warning signs - addressing them can prevent future accidents.

What is defined as an incident?

• Definition: An unplanned event that disrupts work or causes minor damage, but no injury occurs

• Example: A forklift knocks over a storage rack, damaging good but no one is injured.

• Why it matters: Its a sign of a procedural or operational failure that must be investigated.

What is defined as an accident?

• Definition: An unplanned event that results in injury, illness or property damage.

• Example: A worker falls from a ladder and fractures a leg

• Why it matters: Accidents have serious impacts - financially, legally and morally