Incident report template

Create a non-punitive reporting culture where employees understand reports help prevent future incidents rather than assign blame. Provide training on how to properly complete the template, make the form easily accessible, acknowledge those who report incidents, and regularly share how report data has led to safety improvements in your workplace.

An incident report covers a broader range of events, including near-misses and situations that could have caused harm but didn’t. Accident reports specifically document events that resulted in injury, property damage, or loss. Using incident reports for all situations creates a more comprehensive safety program that addresses potential hazards before they cause accidents.

Regularly analyze completed incident reports to identify patterns and trends in incident types, locations, or contributing factors. Use this data to prioritize safety interventions, update training programs, modify work procedures, or improve equipment. Share summary findings with your team to demonstrate how their reporting contributes to a safer workplace.