Definitions, Incidents and Near Misses
An Incident – can be described as an event that has caused or could have damage, death, injury or ill health. An incident can be categorised as a ‘near miss’ or ‘accident’.
For example – the failure of an electrical panel which has the potential to cause a fire but did not.
A Near Miss – can be described as an incident that results in no injury or damage, but which had the potential to do so.
For example – dropping a tool from height that could have hit a member of the public passing by, which could have caused them a head injury.