Incident or Accident?

admin • January 14, 2025

Why We Should Use "Incident" Instead of "Accident" for Workplace Events.

In the realm of workplace safety, the terminology we use can significantly influence our perception and response to events. One critical distinction is between the terms "incident" and "accident." While they might seem interchangeable, their implications are quite different. Here's why using "incident" is more appropriate and beneficial for workplace safety:


Definitions

Accident: "an event that happens by chance or that is without apparent or deliberate cause."

Incident: '"an instance of something happening; an event or occurrence."

Which definition do you think best describes an OHS event in the workplace?


The Power of Words

Language shapes our understanding and attitudes. The term "accident" implies an event that is random, unavoidable, and without fault. It suggests that nothing could have been done to prevent it. On the other hand, "incident" is a neutral term that does not carry the same connotations of inevitability. It opens the door to investigation and improvement.


Encouraging a Proactive Safety Culture

Using "incident" instead of "accident" fosters a proactive safety culture. When we label an event as an "incident," it encourages us to look for root causes and contributing factors. This mindset promotes continuous improvement and prevention strategies.


The shift from "accident" to "incident" in workplace safety terminology is more than just a semantic change. It reflects a deeper commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and more accurately represents the nature of a workplace incident.


By admin July 14, 2025
An updated list has been published of The ‘BIGGEST BIGGEST OFFENDERS’ in OHS Crimes . This list names and shames the companies which have been deemed worthy of the largest fines handed down by judges for offences under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 . It makes an interesting, albeit sobering, read. The list (see below) has been compiled and published by the OHSIntros BLOG and has recently been updated with offenders from the last 2 years. In the last 35 years, according to OHSIntros ’ records, there have been 31 cases which have incurred a fine over $500,000. These companies have been collectively responsible for the deaths of 23 workers and a number of other serious incidents. 21 of these incidents involved plant, thus representing the majority of the cases. The incidents are all horrific, with many involving crushing, entrapment and falls – leading to violent deaths and horrendous injuries. The top fine was a penalty of $3 million, as a result of LH Holdings Management Pty Ltd being charged under Workplace Manslaughter Legislation and fined in 2024. A number of high-profile cases can be seen on this list. However, there are many well known cases which are not featured here, due to the fact that their sentences did not hit the $500K threshold. This perhaps raises concerns relating to The Sentencing of OHS Offences in Victoria . The list is a sobering one, listing a series of gruesome and tragic deaths – the result of safety crimes. In the words of OHSIntros’ – these are “the worst of crimes because [they] could have been prevented.” Image sourced from OHSIntros BLOG: https://www.facebook.com/100064446622188/posts/1127076076117269/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v *OHS Intros is a Workplace Safety page which provides ‘training, documentation and advice on Workplace Safety’: Facebook
By admin July 8, 2025
In recent times we have seen the tragic deaths of workers in the horse racing industry. In May 2025, Fiona Ralph tragically died following a head injury sustained while working at Bendigo Racecourse. Less than 2 months later, on the 3 rd July 2025, we heard news of Peta Tait, a 43-year-old worker who was killed at Cranbourne Racecourse. It is believed that she was kicked in the head by a horse while in the stable. She was attended to by medical personnel, who were unable to save her. Jockey Blake Shinn has reportedly paid tribute, stating that “This is a painful reminder of the dangers that come with working in such a demanding and unpredictable environment.” (7 news) As the jockey highlights the dangers – we turn our minds to the unique hazards presented by the industry, many of which are covered in the WorkSafe Victoria Guidebook – Horse Stable and track riding safety: Horse stables and track riding safety | WorkSafe Victoria . The guide is intended to provide information for those working in the industry and outlines how to identify hazards and implement risk control measures. As in all industries, the employer is responsible for providing a safe workplace, and the usual obligations to consult with the workforce and to control hazards in line with the hierarchy of control all apply. There is a section which specifically covers the safety of stables. Of course, horses are strong and unpredictable, and they pose a specific hazard in this industry - and one which cannot be eliminated as part of this particular workplace. The document discusses the need for training and supervision, which is required in all workplaces. Also, the use of PPE as a control measure, indicating that the use of appropriate footwear, helmets and body protection may be required to ensure the safety of those riding, training, feeding and working with horses and cleaning stables. Working alone can also increase the risks of working around horses. According to SafeWork NSW ‘One worker is hospitalised each day in Australia due to a horse related injury’ . Not all of these are workers; however, it does highlight how dangerous working around horses can be. WorkSafe Victoria reports injury claims attributable to horse racing at: Injury hotspots - Horse racing | WorkSafe Victoria . While the racing community must, of course, grieve the recent loss of two of its’ workers, there will concurrently be a WorkSafe investigation and a Victoria Police investigation for the Coroner. No matter the outcome of these investigations, it is an opportunity to look to industry work practices and identify any improvements which could be made to improve safety in the future. The gravity of such an event cannot be underestimated in its’ impact to family, friends and workmates. One can only hope that an improvement in future safety may be one of those impacts. Our sincere condolences to the families of Fiona and Peta.