Accidents and incidents (dangerous occurrences and near misses) at work, are something we all try to avoid, but they can and do happen.  When they do, it’s important that they are reported, recorded and if necessary investigated.  Even if no one was seriously hurt, it is an opportunity to find out why it happened and what can be done to prevent the same thing, or worse, happening again.

Accidents and incidents should be reported as soon as possible and some have to be reported by law (see below).  In any case, it’s best to report and investigate accidents quickly, as the quicker you act to fix any problems found, the less risk of it happening again.