Incident Report Example

An incident report example is prepared to record details of an incident that happened suddenly and unexpectedly, either in a factory, office, shopping mall, restaurant, or any other place. This report can also be prepared to report an incident that happened on the road or while traveling. Injuries are part of traveling, and marketing employees often face them while performing their jobs. An incident report is also prepared in hospitals and clinics whenever an injury happens to a patient or someone robs people at a restaurant. This report is widely used in medical institutes and colleges to record details of a patient who got admitted and has a serious health issue. Moreover, it helps doctors and nurses to check for a patient’s past history. If he or she has ever got any disease and has other medical issues? An incident report also includes witnesses who witnessed the incident like what time it happened. How did it happen? Did it happen by mistake or did someone try to hurt the patient intentionally? All these things were recorded in this report.

Significance of Incident Report:

An incident report holds extreme significance and is widely used in many fields of life. First, this report informs us about what time the incident took place, how it happened, and the total number of people who witnessed the incident. If we talk about an injured patient, an incident report helps in confirming whether an incident happened spontaneously or whether it happened by mistake by an individual, what is his or her medical report, and again who witnessed it, and it even checks what place it happened. Similarly, during a robbery in a shopping mall, it elaborates in clear words about how this event is happening, at what time and how many people are injured. Moreover, an incident report guides the police and other agencies about this unfortunate event in a legitimate format. The role of law enforcement agencies is to take notice of such incidents and, based on information, they will prepare reports about the incident. Apart from reporting to law enforcement agencies, an incident report is also used to establish better arrangements to avoid such events in the future. Based on previous data on incidents, an organization can also design standard operating procedures which can be followed if such an incident ever happens again.

Professional Edge of An Incident Report:

An ancient report example gives a professional edge to its users as well as students. They can use it to gain multiple advantages, especially while performing their duties. There are a few of the most common benefits which anyone can obtain by using an incident report:

1- It helps an organization to make sure all necessary arrangements are taken into account. Due to compliance, such incidents can be prevented from happening again.

2- This report saves all the crucial information which is needed to launch a police report or complaint as and when required.

3- An incident report is the primary requirement for a doctor in hospitals to start the treatment of a patient who is admitted after an incident.

4- This report provides vital information about the highlighted areas where necessary measures must be taken. By following these measures, an individual or organization can easily avoid any sort of incident. For example, there is a road in New York City which is named Death Road. The reason behind earning that name is because there is not a single U-turn available on it and its length is around 200 KM. Therefore, any incident that happens on that road can be fatal. Therefore, law enforcement agencies attach various warnings to that report, and it becomes possible with the number of incidents reports that people reported.

5- An incident report is the source of all information which is gathered by various personnel during the incident. Based on provided information, government agencies and organizations can make many crucial decisions.

6- The information provided in these incident reports can be used while finalizing guidelines for future safety, as well as for protection from similar incidents. It can also alert us to the most dangerous or risky places to visit.

Different Types of Incident Report:

An incident report is a work-related report that indicates an event or events in which an injury or illness, regardless of any severity or fatality, has occurred or could have occurred. This report consists of a form that is filled in immediately after an accident or injury to any person or company assets has happened. Moreover, it is filed immediately after an incident took place, as the incident has fresh witnesses. The statements of the employees and the witnesses are also part of an incident report, which must be recorded. There are certain kinds of incident reports which we can easily observe in our surroundings. These are given as follows:

1- Potential Incidents:

It involves unsafe practices or hazardous situations that could result in an incident. It involves all those acts, actions and activities which are happening in a very dangerous way in which a hazardous or destructive mishap may occur. For example, a worker, employee or staff member is repairing the ceiling fan standing on a revolving chair. The incident has not happened, but it may occur.

2- Near Missed:

An incident where no injury, ill health or fatality occurs may also be referred to as a near-miss or near-hit or dangerous occurrence which can have a fatal impact on the minds of the employees or workers in a facility. There are no casualties or physical damage, but only damage to the premises or property occurs; for example, a tube light fell from the ceiling, but it didn’t hit any employee or worker.

3- First Aid Case:

A first aid case includes any single treatment, minor scratches, cuts, and burns. These kinds of mishaps do not normally require the attention of a physician or doctor. Such treatments and observations are considered first aid cases.

4- Medical Treatment Case:

In such cases, any work related to any work-related injury requires treatment by a physician or medical specialists. It does not include first aid, even if it is provided by an employee or worker.

5- Occupational Illnesses:

It is any work-related abnormal condition or disorder which is mainly caused by exposure to environmental factors associated with employment.

6- Environmental Incidents:

It is an unplanned event or a chain of events that has or could have a negative impact on the environment. Incidents like oil and chemical spillage, emissions of dangerous gases from factories, and complaints regarding high noise levels.

What Are the Five “W” of an Incident Report?

An incident report should be written in normal language, no fancy words. Use everyday English rather than complicated words. Lots of different people will be reading your report; for example, supervisors, police, and juries. It needs to be understandable to lots of different types of people. The professional incident report should always include the five W’s;

• Who are the individuals involved in an incident and who are the witnesses to the event, their contact and other relevant information. Elaborate the individual’s physical characteristics and other prominent features.

• What actions are taken when such an event happens? You can start from the beginning and include all the necessary details possible as the events unfold.

• When did the incident happen? It also includes other crucial information like; the date and time, place, weather and surrounding conditions in the area where this incident happened.

• Where did the incident actually happen? In this section, a user can include nearby addresses or buildings.

• Why did the incident happen? Normally, it doesn’t hold much significance, except if you talk to someone about their actions.

Details of Incident Report:

An incident report needs to be very clear and should not be equipped with any sort of judgmental words. This report should refer to the individuals as Mr. or Mrs., especially when they are highlighted, instead of calling them by their real names. An incident report consists of the necessary details of all the events which happened, and it must be in chronological order. To make this report look professional, it would be wise to use correct spelling and grammar. This is because a reader can quickly and easily understand the situation. Special care should be taken into account while selecting polite words, and a user should avoid using offensive words. An incident report is basically a reflection of an event; therefore, it should not include personal remarks or opinions.