Incident Report vs Accident Report: What Is the Difference?

Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they are slightly different. An accident report usually focuses on events that caused injury or damage. An incident report has a broader meaning and may include near misses, safety concerns, or disruptions that did not result in harm.

For example, if someone slips and falls, it may be classified as an accident report. If water is found on the floor before anyone slips, it may be documented as an incident report.

Understanding this difference helps organizations improve prevention efforts.