2 DEFINITIONS
Accident: Any unplanned event that results in injury or ill health of people, or damage or
loss to property, plant, materials or the environment or a loss of a business opportunity.
Incident: unplanned, unwanted events which had the potential to result in loss of some
kind.
Near Miss: This is any incident that could have resulted in an accident, injury or loss but
does not
Hazard: A hazard is the potential of a substance, person, activity or process to cause harm.
Risk: A risk is the likelihood of a substance, activity or process to cause harm.
Unsafe acts: An unsafe act is a violation of an accepted safe procedure which could lead
to an accident, i.e., rushing, operating without authority,
Unsafe Condition: Physical conditions of the workplace which render it unsafe i.e.,
unguarded machines, spills.
Safety Culture : The safety culture of an organization is the product of individual and
group values, attitudes, perceptions, competencies and patterns of behavior that determine
the commitment to, and the style and proficiency of, an organizations health and safety
management.