Incident
An unplanned event in the workplace that has or could have resulted in injury, ill health or damage. Broader than accident in professional use, encompassing near misses and dangerous occurrences.
By jurisdiction
UK HSE
“incident”SharedNot defined in a single GB statute. Used in HSE guidance to cover accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences collectively.
Irish HSA
“incident”SharedUsed in HSA guidance and reporting context. The SHWWA 2005 and General Application Regulations 2007 refer to accidents and dangerous occurrences as reportable events. Incident is the broader professional term.
US OSHA
“incident”SharedOSHA uses incident as the primary term in its recordkeeping system (29 CFR 1904). A recordable incident is a work-related injury or illness meeting the criteria in 1904.7.
Note: Check whether each instrument defines incident or uses it without definition.
Practitioner note: In H&S law, "incident" is typically broader than "accident" and includes near misses and dangerous occurrences. OSHA uses incident and accident interchangeably in practice.