Risk Assessments: Accidents vs Incidents

Understanding the difference between accidents and incidents is essential for effective risk assessments. Both terms are often used interchangeably, but in the context of workplace safety, they have distinct meanings that can influence how risks are assessed and managed.

This guide will help you understand the differences, explain how to conduct risk assessments for both and offer best practices for preventing accidents and incidents in the workplace.

What Is an Accident?

An accident refers to an unexpected event that results in harm or damage. In the workplace, this typically means injuries to people, damage to property, or disruptions in operations. According to the National Accident Helpline, some of the most common accidents in the construction industry include falls from heights, electric shocks, or equipment malfunctions that cause injuries.

What Is an Incident?

An incident is an event that could have led to harm or damage but did not. It’s often called a “near miss” because the potential for harm was present but avoided. For instance, a worker might drop a tool from a height, but no one is hit or injured.

The Importance of Differentiating Accidents from Incidents

Understanding the distinction between accidents and incidents is critical for risk assessments:

• Accidents require immediate investigation and corrective action to prevent reoccurrence.
• Incidents provide insight into potential hazards that could lead to accidents, offering a chance for prevention without the consequence of harm.

By treating incidents as early warning signs, businesses can proactively address risks and create a safer working environment.

Impact on Risk Assessments

Differentiating between accidents and incidents allows risk assessors to:

• Prioritise risks based on the severity of past events (accidents) and potential hazards (incidents).
• Implement preventive measures for incidents before they result in accidents.
• Tailor training and safety protocols to address both immediate dangers and long-term safety improvements.

How to Conduct a Risk Assessment for Accidents

Conducting a thorough risk assessment for accidents is crucial to ensuring workplace safety. The process involves systematically identifying hazards that could potentially lead to accidents, analysing the risks associated with those hazards, and implementing effective control measures to minimise them.

1. Identifying Hazards

For accidents, the first step in risk assessment is identifying hazards. This involves looking for the following:

• Unsafe equipment or tools
• Hazardous materials
• Unsafe practices (e.g., working without proper personal protective equipment).

2. Analysing Risks

Once hazards are identified, analyse the likelihood of these hazards leading to an accident. This includes considering:

• The frequency of exposure to the hazard
• The potential severity of an accident if it occurs
• The number of workers exposed to the hazard.

3. Control Measures

Implementing control measures is essential to minimise the risk of accidents. These could include:

• Engineering controls (e.g., installing barriers or guards)
• Administrative controls (e.g., changing work procedures)
• Personal protective equipment (PPE).

By addressing these areas, businesses can reduce the likelihood of accidents, protect employees, and maintain a safer work environment.

How to Conduct a Risk Assessment for Incidents

Incidents often go unreported, but they are crucial for risk assessments. Encourage workers to report near misses to identify underlying hazards. Examples include:

• A piece of equipment malfunctioning but not causing harm
• A worker slipping but not falling.

Analysing Near Misses

The analysis should focus on understanding why the incident happened and what could have gone wrong. Factors to consider include:

• Environmental conditions (e.g., wet floors)
• Human factors (e.g., inattention, fatigue)
• Equipment failures (e.g., outdated machinery).

Control Measures

Even if an incident does not result in injury, it should be treated seriously. Control measures could include:

• Improving maintenance schedules
• Updating safety training
• Replacing or repairing faulty equipment.

Legal Requirements and Industry Standards

The law requires employers to conduct risk assessments for workplace safety. Accidents must be reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), and measures should be in place to prevent both accidents and incidents.

In the construction industry, specific regulations focus on accident and incident prevention. Organisations like the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) outline guidelines for safe working practices and accident reporting.

The Role of a Strong Safety Culture

One of the most effective ways to prevent accidents is to foster a culture where workers feel comfortable reporting incidents and near misses. This can:

• Improve overall safety awareness
• Lead to early identification of risks
• Prevent future accidents by addressing issues before they escalate.

Continuous Monitoring and Improvement

Risk assessments should be ongoing, not one-time tasks. Continuous monitoring of both accidents and incidents helps to:

• Ensure that control measures are working effectively
• Adapt to new risks as the workplace changes (e.g., new equipment or procedures).

Effective risk assessments hinge on understanding the difference between accidents and incidents. While accidents often result in immediate harm, incidents are early warning signs that, if ignored, could lead to future accidents. By addressing both, businesses can create safer environments, comply with legal requirements and protect their workforce.

Risk management is an ongoing process, and proactive approaches to incidents and accidents are key to maintaining safety. Start today by reviewing your risk assessment practices and fostering a culture that values safety at every level.

Author: Alex Minett

Alex Minett is the Head of Global New Markets at Veriforce CHAS, the UK’s leading health and safety assessment scheme and provider of risk mitigation, compliance, and supply chain management services. With a working history in the audit and management consulting industry, Alex is experienced in implementing visions and strategies. Skilled in negotiation, management and business development, he is passionate about driving CHAS in its mission to safeguard organisations from risk in the UK.