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.

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Is workplace safety a social justice issue?

By admin • February 11, 2025

Is Work Safety a Social Justice Issue? The 20 th February has been named The World Day for Social Justice. But is Work Safety a Social Justice Issue? When certain groups face disproportionate risks due to factors like systemic inequalities, unsafe working conditions become a social justice concern. For example, certain demographics (such as racial minorities or low-income workers) often experience higher rates of workplace injuries and illnesses due to systemic disadvantages. Poor work safety practices can lead to significant health disparities, further emphasizing the social justice aspect. Unequal power dynamics between employers and employees can prevent workers from raising concerns about safety issues, perpetuating unsafe conditions. The right to a safe workplace is a fundamental human right – but not all workers are treated equitably in the protection of their health and wellbeing. To read more about the World Day For Social Justice, visit World Day of Social Justice | United Nations

Heatwaves as a work hazard.

By admin • February 4, 2025

When there is a heatwave, it can introduce temperatures which are a new hazard not normally experienced in a workplace. As always, the employer must eliminate or minimise risks as far as reasonably practicable. That means that when conditions change, it’s time to do a risk assessment and put new controls in place. There is no single ‘stop work’ temperature. Various factors need to be taken into account which include humidity, air flow and the type of work being performed. Heatwave conditions create a work-related risk in the form of heat stress and fatigue. But there are various ways to control the risk. Things to consider may include: working in the cooler part of the day moving work to a different location limiting tasks which require higher physical effort during the hotter period changing work expectations and allowing workers to self-pace their work ensuring access to cool water - and rehydration electrolytes if required providing shade air conditioning or fans if possible ensuring workers are not working in isolation ensuring supervision is in place taking into account more vulnerable workers - for example those who may be young, pregnant, suffer an illness, etc training workers to ensure they understand the risk and how to recognise symptoms ensure first aid and medical assistance is available Remember that the risk posed by heat is not just limited to outdoor workers. Indoor workers can be exposed to unsafe working conditions too - including high temperatures, thermal radiation and humidity. As with all hazards - when considering what control to put in place, the usual hierarchy of control should be used – with elimination being considered first. If this can’t be done, then consider substitution, followed by isolation/ engineering controls, then administrative controls and finally PPE as the last option. As always, the effectiveness of the controls should be monitored and reviewed. Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)s can be proactive in this area by consulting with the employer and attempting to resolve the risk. If there is an immediate risk to health and safety, then they can direct a cease work. HSRs play an important role in ensuring a safe workplace – and this includes during heatwave conditions.