What constitutes an incident in safety terminology?

In safety terminology, an incident is defined as an undesired event that has the potential to cause harm, injury, or damage. This includes occurrences that may not result in actual injury or damage but have the potential to do so if circumstances had been different. The key aspect of an incident is the element of undesirability and the risk involved, highlighting the significance of identifying and mitigating such events to promote a safer environment.

Controlled events, planned safety drills, and routine maintenance work do not fit the definition of an incident since they are typically managed situations aimed at maintaining safety or preparedness rather than unexpected occurrences that create a risk. Understanding what constitutes an incident is crucial for effective safety management and risk assessment, allowing organizations to focus on preventing such events and implementing strategies to minimize hazards in the workplace.