The Definition of Accidents and Ill Health
Definition
An accident is an unplanned and uncontrolled event that results in injury or ill health of people, damage to property or other loss.
THE ACCIDENT TRIANGLE
In a typical workplace, it has been shown that there is a relationship between near misses, minor accidents and major accidents.
For every major disabling injury there are approximately 7 less serious injuries, requiring first aid or time off work, and 189 near misses.
This shows the importance of reporting and recording all accidents and near misses (even if they are small) as trends can be established and action taken to prevent the same kind of accident recurring. The second time it may result in a major injury.
It also important that employers clearly inform their managers and staff of the accident, incident and near misses that must be reported in line with the operations of the business.
