how to write an incident report email sample

AI, Your Side Hustle Hero to Make Money from Home

Think AI is just for super-smart scientists? Nope! There are tons of ways you can use AI to make some serious cash from home.

Ready to turn your tech-love into a side hustle? Here are some amazing ideas:

1. The Content Creation Powerhouse

Ai, your writing buddy.

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You can write paid articles for websites or companies, or use AI to make your own online business shine with tons of fresh content. AI can even help you find ideas and make sure your writing is on point!

Pics in a Flash

Ever wish you could draw anything you imagine? AI image generators like DALL-E and Midjourney let you do just that!

Just type in what you want to see – like “a cat flying a spaceship” or “a watercolor landscape of a hidden waterfall” – and the AI will create it.

You can sell your images on stock photo sites, use them to make your blog posts stand out, or turn them into cool digital art pieces you can sell online.

Movie Magician

AI can help you become the next editing superstar! Services can cut and paste video clips, add background music, and even turn your dialogue into subtitles for different languages.

Imagine helping YouTubers make their videos snappier, or editing short videos for businesses– it’s a skill you could even be paid for!

2. AI Expert Services

The global chat champ.

If you know another language (or more!), AI translation tools become your BFFs. Instead of taking forever on translations, AI does the basic work, and you fine-tune it for accuracy and style.

Get gigs translating websites so they reach worldwide markets, translating important documents, or even adding subtitles so movies and videos can be enjoyed by everyone!

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Businesses want to offer help 24/7, but that’s impossible for humans! That’s where chatbots come in.

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Data Detective

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Super-Niche Websites: Your Secret Weapon

Sometimes the biggest money isn’t in the broadest topics, but the super-focused ones. Imagine a website not about pets, but all about the cutest outfits for teacup poodles! AI tools help you find these “micro-niches” – topics huge groups of people are obsessed with but might have fewer websites dedicated to them.

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AI can also help you find products related to your niche to promote with affiliate links, making your awesome website into a money-making machine.

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Tool time: coding for cash.

If you have some coding skills, you can build super-useful, bite-sized AI tools that people will happily pay for. Think of common problems people have: resizing a ton of images is a pain, long articles can be a drag to read, and catching every single grammar error is tough.

You could build simple tools that offer AI-powered solutions – a quick image resizer, an article summarizer, or an extra-smart grammar checker. Sell these tools on online marketplaces, and suddenly you’re not just using AI, you’re selling it!

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Do you know your way around popular software like Photoshop, Excel, or even game design programs? You can become a plugin superstar! Create little add-ons that use AI to do cool new things.

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If you get really good with AI, and understand how businesses work, you could make serious money as a consultant. Companies often have no idea how to start using AI to their advantage.

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As AI gets more important, companies will be desperate for consultants like you!

Things to Remember:

Humans still needed: the ai hype is real, but….

AI is a powerful tool, but it’s still just that – a tool. It can mess up, make stuff that’s just plain weird, or even be used for harmful things if we’re not careful. That’s where you come in!

Your job is to double-check AI’s work, make sure it sounds natural and makes sense, add your own creative spark, and be the one to make sure the AI is doing good, not harm.

Find Your Thing: Be the Specialist

Trying to be an expert in everything AI-related is a recipe for a headache. Instead, become known as THE person for something specific.

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Specializing makes it easier for clients to find you and know exactly what you can do for them.

Never Stop Learning: The AI Train Keeps Rolling

AI technology changes at lightning speed! New tools, techniques, and updates are happening all the time. To stay ahead of the game, you’ve got to be curious and willing to learn.

Subscribe to tech newsletters, mess around with new AI programs as they come out, and take online courses. The more you know about cutting-edge AI, the more valuable your skills become!

Real Examples of Incident Reports at the Workplace with Templates

Accidents can happen, no matter how many preventative measures are in place. And, when accidents do happen, it’s vital to learn from them. To ensure your documentation is spotless, it’s always a good idea to look at some example incident reports at the workplace.

A safety incident report helps ensure nobody is subject to mistreatment because it contains information from the injured employee as well as eyewitnesses. This helps fill in missing pieces of information and figure out how the accident occurred exactly. 

“The safety of the people shall be the highest law.” Marcus Tullius Cicero

So, let’s dive in! 

If you’re looking for an example of an incident report at the workplace, feel free to jump to that section using the links below. Otherwise, we will first discuss what incident reports are and why they are so important.

What is a Workplace Incident Report? 

A workplace incident report is a document that states all the information about any accidents, injuries, near misses, property damage or health and safety issues that happen in the workplace. 

They are very important to identify the root cause of an incident along with any related hazards and to prevent it happening again in the future. As soon as an incident takes place and everybody in the workplace is safe, a work incident report should be written up. 

Typically, a workplace accident report should be completed within 48 hours of the incident taking place . The layout of an accident incident report should be told like a story, in chronological order, with as many facts as the witnesses can possibly remember. 

What should you include in an incident report?

There are many different types of incident reports, depending on your industry, but most will include the underlying details listed below in order to understand what happened: 

• The type of incident that took place
• Where the incident happened
• The date, day and time of the incident
• Names of the people involved
• Injuries that were obtained 
• Medical treatment that may have been required
• Equipment that was involved
• Events leading up to the incident that could have contributed to it taking place
• Eyewitnesses that can tell their side of the story

For example…If a chemical was involved in the incident, it should be noted if the victim was wearing appropriate PPE or not, as well as a photograph of the damage and the chemical’s label stating its components. If a workplace vehicle was involved, all information about the vehicle should be noted, and the possible reasons why it occurred if there is no clear answer. Employers should ensure vehicle safety guidelines are adhered to in order to prevent incidents in the workplace. 

If this is an OSHA recordable incident (accident) and the company is exempt from OSHA recordkeeping , the employer must also fill in OSHA Form 300 . This form enables both the employer and the agency to keep a log of the injuries or illnesses that happen in the workplace. It includes crucial information such as the number of working days missed due to injury, the sort of injury that was obtained and if medical treatment was necessary. 

How to Write an Incident Report

It is important to lay out an incident report clearly and concisely with all the relevant information about what happened. The clearer it is to read, the easier it will be to understand the cause of the workplace accident. 

The language used for incident reporting should not be too emotional and should not purposefully put the blame on someone. Here is an incident report example template:

This workplace incident report template includes the basic guidelines and best practices of what to include to make sure the report includes all the details it should. Once a report is written, it should be kept on record in the workplace. 

Incident Report Examples

Depending on the type of workplace incident, the writer will need to include various pieces of information. If you are not sure how to write an incident statement, here are example incident reports for the workplace covering various scenarios. 

Injury Incident Report Example

“At 11.20am on Tuesday 7 th July 2020, a worker, Timothy Johnson, tripped over an electrical wire on the Blue & Green construction site, located on Main Street, Riverside. He was carrying a hammer at the time. 

It is believed the wire should not have been stretched across the ground without safety tape securing it to the ground and drawing attention to it. Timothy fell to the ground and dropped the hammer but did not injure himself with it. He twisted his ankle, which immediately began to swell and scrapped the side of his leg in a minor way. A co-worker came to assist Timothy to his feet and helped him walk to a nearby bench. Timothy could not put his weight on his left foot, so he was taken to a nearby hospital. Once at the hospital, doctors confirmed that Timothy had sprained his ankle and would have to keep the foot elevated and use crutches for the next two weeks. He would not be able to work during this time. 

The foreman for the construction site has assessed the wires on the ground and concluded that brightly colored tape should secure the wires to the ground to draw attention to them and to ensure there are no bumps in the wire that are easy to trip over so that this does not happen again”.

Forklift Accident Report Sample

“On Friday 5 th July 2020, at 3.35pm, a forklift driver, Max White, was driving the forklift he usually drives in the Sunny Side Warehouse, ABC Street, when the front right tire got caught on a piece of wood on the ground, causing the forklift to overturn with Max inside it. 

Luckily a co-worker was nearby to help Max climb out of the right side of the forklift. Max was shaken up and reported that his left shoulder and left side of his neck were hurting him from the impact. Max decided he did not need to go to the hospital as he felt like he would only obtain bruises from his injuries and that they were not severe enough to need medical attention. His manager sent him home for the rest of the day to ensure he did not strain himself further. 

The wood that caused the forklift to overturn had not been stacked properly and has now been moved to a secure location in the warehouse to make sure it does not cause any more issues for forklift drivers”.

Fall Incident Report Sample

“In Fairview Boutique on Friday March 6 th , 2020, Samantha Wright was stacking shelves while standing on a ladder in order to reach the top shelf of handbags at 4.10pm. As she was stretching to place a bag on the shelf, the ladder collapsed from under her and she fell to the ground. Her co-worker heard the loud noise and immediately helped her. Samantha was in a lot of pain and could not get to her feet as she felt lightheaded. An ambulance was phoned, and she was brought to hospital. Samantha obtained a broken right arm, bruised thigh and hip, and a bump to the head that left no major head injury. She was recommended three weeks off work at the minimum by doctors.  The fall was concluded to be of nobody else’s fault but was put down to Samantha accidently overreaching instead of moving the ladder to where she needed to see”. 

Hand Injury Incident Report Sample

“On April 21 st , 2020, at Willow Maintenance, Yellow Abbey Grove, Kyle Jenkins was about to use a miter saw to cut some timber, but when he started to use the saw, it jolted, causing the saw to come down suddenly on his hand. 

Kyle’s left thumb was cut deeply by the saw and he lost a lot of blood. Co-workers came to his aid, turned the saw off and helped him stop the bleeding with tissues. He was then brought to the hospital where he received eight stitches and was told to not use the hand for rigorous work for 4 weeks. The head of Willow Maintenance inspected the saw to check for any issues and see why it came down and cut Kyle’s hand. It appeared that whoever was the last person to use the machine did not put the safety latch back on the saw once they had finished using it. 

If this safety latch was on the saw when Kyle used it, it would not have cut his hand, but rather, automatically shut off once it jolted. The manager decided to take a day to retrain his staff to ensure they adhere to the health and safety guidelines of the company”. 

Exposure Incident Report Sample

“In Woodbell factory, Springville, on Tuesday May 26 th , 2020, Annie Bedley was packaging household cleaning products when a bottle tipped over onto her wrist. 

She got up from her seat to wash off the chemical in the washroom. She then went to her supervisor to show her what had happened. Annie’s wrist was red and itchy but was not burning as she had washed off the remnants of the chemical immediately. Annie’s supervisor brought her to the office to sit with a cold compress on her hand and applied a layer of ointment to treat the burn. Annie did not feel like she would need further medical assistance and agreed with her supervisor that she would need two to three days off work to ensure the burn did not get irritated. 

Annie was wearing appropriate PPE at the time of the incident and no faults were found on the conveyor belt at the packing bay. The incident has been noted as an accident with nobody to blame. Photographic evidence of the burn has been included in this file”.

First Aid Incident Report Sample

“On Friday November 15 h 2019, Arthur Stokes was walking along the corridor between building four and five of Graygrock Inc. when he noticed that there was something sharp sticking through the bottom of his right shoe. 

He stopped to see what it was and found a nail stuck in his shoe. He took his shoe off and lucking was able to pull the nail out as it hadn’t pierced through to his foot and only minorly scraped it. He saw the stairwell was getting new handrails fitted and presumed the nail came from that. He saw two other nails further along the corridor and decided to pick them up to make sure nobody else stood on them. He reported to his manager’s office where he presented the nails and explained the situation. His foot had a small cut, so Arthur’s manager gave him an anti-septic wipe and a band-aid to help him. 

Arthur returned to work while his manager talked to the construction workers about keeping their workspace neat and to prevent any further accidents like this from happening”. 

Incident Report Form Templates

The layout of an incident report forms can vary depending on where the incident took place and the type of injuries. Here are some examples of incident reports at the workplace that you can use. 

Incident Report Form for General Staff (Word/PDF)

This general staff accident report form template can be used in a variety of workplaces. It includes all the necessities to describe a workplace incident to ensure it is recorded correctly. This general form is ideal for any business type. 

Incident Report Form for a Construction Site

This example incident report for the workplace is unique to others as it includes a field for the construction project name and the project manager’s details. This makes it easy to understand where in the construction site the accident occurred and how severe it was.

Incident Report for a Hospital/ Medical Clinic (Word/PDF)

The hospital incident report template is much more detailed than others as it must include accurate information about the staff member or patient’s injuries, where in the hospital it happened and what medical treatment they required.

As you write your workplace incident reports, remember it is not to place blame on one person, but rather record a series of events that have taken place. Sometimes these are pure accidents due to bad luck and, sometimes, there is human error or a technical fault involved. By the way, this is the basis of the Just Culture Algorithm™ which is definitely worth exploring if you’re looking to improve the safety culture at your workplace .

These examples of incident reports at the workplace are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the variety of workplace accidents that can occur. In any case, it’s crucial to record any incidents that arise because this helps create a safer work environment.

References & Further Reading

• OSHA’s Guide for Employers carrying out Incident Investigation
• OSHA’s Injury & Illness prevention Program
• Workplace Injury Information
• Eyewitness Statement Form : Should be included for any eyewitnesses to the incident to aid the investigation.
• Injury Investigation Questions : Should be asked when an employee has been injured at the workplace to understand exactly what happened.
• Incident Investigation Flowchart Procedure: A step by step example of the procedures involved in carrying out a workplace incident investigation.  

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Apr 24, 2023

How to send a report in an email with 8 samples and a template

Writing report emails is a solid skill and something easy to learn for everyone. Here we outline the report email format and provide 8 samples that you can use straight away.

Lawrie Jones

Table of contents

We all love reports, right?

Regular reporting is critical for keeping companies working hard and achieving objectives.

They're a great way to show we've accomplished something, and that's worth shouting about!

So if you've spent time collating figures and creating a report, make sure to craft a clear report email to deliver it.

A professional report email offers insights into the information, provides crucial context, and clarifies any issues that need attention. Writing report emails is a solid skill and easy for everyone to learn.

Report emails follow a standard format with a logical structure that's simple to master — and we will show you how.

In this guide to writing report emails, we outline the report message format and provide 8 samples you can use immediately.

How to write a report email

Before we explain how to send a report, here's what not to do...

Inexperienced emailers will create long messages which go into a massive amount of detail to prove they've done something. This is a rookie error that takes time and wastes effort.

Effective reports emails should provide the following (and nothing more):

• Details of what the report is (and why it matters)
• Dates, times, and information covered in the report
• A breakdown of key issues (in professional terms, this is called a precis)
• Highlight any problems, anomalies, challenges, or successes
• Set out the next steps

This provides a simple snapshot of essential information for your boss, customer, or client.

Following this format works because you're adding value to the email, sifting through it to provide what they need.

If they want more, they can read the report, right?

But how do you deliver this information? Thankfully, there's a widely accepted format which we outline below (you're welcome!).

Report email format

The report email format provides a standard structure to introduce your report, include all the details above, offer contact details for further conversations, and include a polite and professional sign-off.

To make it as simple as possible, we can break down the report email format into three parts:

• Report email subject line
• Report email body
• How to end a report email

1. Report email subject lines

Keep your report email subject lines as easy to follow as possible. It's essential to outline what's included in the email. You can also add extra information, such as the dates or times covered and any actions you may require.

Here are some report email subject line examples:

• Daily report – (Insert date)
• May Progress Report & Project Update
• Monthly Sales Report – Month –
• (Time/Date) Incident Report – Action Required
• Urgent Incident Report – PLEASE READ

2. Report email body copy

We'll assume that if you send someone a report, they'll know who you are and why you're messaging. This enables us to ignore some (but not all) pleasantries associated with professional emails.

We still start each message with a professional greeting (Hi, Hello, etc.) along with the person's name, and then hit them with the purpose of the message:

• Attached here is my daily activity report. This covers the date (insert date).

As we've explained above, it's worth providing a short breakdown of what's included:

• To make it easy, I've outlined some of the key things you should know here:
• (Bullet points are a great way to list information)

3. Ending a report email

You've delivered the detail, data, and information, so your job is almost done.

At the end of each email, it's polite to offer the chance to chat about the report and its contents:

• I'm happy to provide any additional information or answer any questions you might have about this report. You can contact me at (insert details).

Now, finish with a professional sign-off (kind regards, yours, etc.), and you're (nearly) done.

Our final piece of advice is: ALWAYS REMEMBER TO INCLUDE ATTACHMENTS.

We've all rushed off an email and hit send without remembering to send the related documents . No matter how great your report messages are, they're worthless without the attachment!

8 report email examples

Understanding how to write a report email and doing it are two different things, which is why reviewing our samples is so important.

In this section, we share 8 report email samples and an explanation about each email, including what we include and why.

Check out these report email messages and learn how to put these principles into practice. We break these samples into subsections covering monthly reports, daily reports, and incident reports.

How to write a monthly report email

Monthly reports are a major headache for many of us, but at least writing emails should now be much simpler.

Our monthly report sample messages make it clear what's being included and pick out the highlights for your time-poor boss.

1. Sample email to send a monthly report

Monthly reports can include performance, sales, and attendance figures. Your boss will be expecting your monthly statement, so we highlight the essentials and leave them to read the report for more info.

• Insert your highlights

2. Monthly working hours report email sample

Logging your hours is the most important email you'll send each month because it'll ensure you get paid.

Like the report email sample above, we provide a breakdown of the essential information your boss will need to know. We also push for the next steps – such as getting your salary sorted out and payment date.

3. Monthly performance report email sample

Performance reports are a chance to highlight what's gone well and what could be improved. In this monthly performance report email sample, we skip over the details and keep things short and sweet.

How to write a daily report email

The daily report email format is similar to those used to send a monthly report. However, you can make some minor tweaks to ensure it's the right length. Given that you'll be sending these every day (the clue is in the name), it's worth developing a template you can use. This will provide consistency your boss will welcome and cut down massively on time spent creating them.

How do you create a template? Here are two daily report samples to get you started...

4. Sample email to send daily report

This daily report email sample focuses more on details and completed tasks. In contrast, the previous monthly report sample focuses more on the bigger picture and outcomes that were accomplished.

• Add your tasks...
• ...but don't include everything

5. Daily activity report sample email to boss

Activity reports provide a snapshot of everything you've achieved that day. It could cover calls answered, clients messaged, deliveries made, or something else. This sample provides a standard and formal way to deliver your activity report. You can cut and paste this each day; just remember to fill in the gaps.

Sample emails for submitting a report

Depending on your job, you may be required to send special reports at some time. Examples can include incident reports, inventory logs, and bug reports.

These are different from the transactional messages above but will require some context, explanation, and information about the next steps. Check out the samples below to see how this is done.

6. Incident report email sample

If you've identified a fault or experienced an outage, you'll need to provide an incident report. These reports clarify the causes of an incident, its impact, and the actions you're taking to ensure it never happens again.

7. Inventory report email sample

Inventory reports provide details on the stocks and supplies you have in your business (and those that are running low!). Here's how to write an email to send an inventory report

• Item name + quantity needed

8. Bug report email sample

Next time you find a pesky bug affecting software, use this sample email for a bug report. Raising awareness of bugs is great, but your customer or colleague will want to know what action you're taking to fix the problem.

Report email template

If the report email samples here aren't hitting the spot, this template is what you need. This customizable report email template can be cut, pasted, edited, and updated to suit your circumstances.

• List out your key points

Writing report emails using Flowrite's AI-assisted email writer is the fastest way to do your duty of sending reports. This is how it works:

Our Chrome extensions works where you work (Gmail, Outlook, WhatsApp, etc.) so you can stay efficient while working on your reports.

Final report

OK, so now we are on the same page.

While writing report emails isn't exciting, they are pretty easy, so they shouldn't take too long to create (especially if you use our samples or customizable template).

The core of an excellent report email is the same as any piece of professional correspondence: being clear, consistent, and conveying essential information as quickly as possible.

Write it, send it, and get on with the rest of your day.

Supercharge your communication with Flowrite

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Project status update to client

Reply to: "

Received message

hope your well short update 1st drafts by 15th and final version before deadline we are on track rough drafts this week attached below not final copies please provide feedback another update next week

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How to Write an Incident Report

Last Updated: February 8, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD . Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,235,906 times.

If you're a security guard or police officer deployed to the scene of an incident, writing up a detailed and accurate report is an important part of doing your job correctly. A good incident report gives a thorough account of what happened without glossing over unsavory information or leaving out important facts. It's crucial to follow the appropriate protocol, describe the incident clearly, and submit a polished report.

Things You Should Know

• Get the correct forms from your institution. Pay attention to any special instructions since forms may vary slightly.
• Note the time, date, and location of the incident on the form. Include your full name and ID number, as well.
• Write a first person narrative explaining what happened at the scene. Be honest, clear, and concise.
• Proofread your incident report and revise any mistakes before submitting it.

Incident Report Template and Example

Following Protocol

• Follow any instructions that accompany the forms. Each organization uses a different format, so pay attention to the guidelines.
• In some cases you're responsible for filling out a form issued by your institution. In other cases you'll be asked to type or write up the report on your own.

Tip: If possible, do your write up using word processing software. It will look neater, and you'll be able to use spell check to polish it when you're finished. If you write your report by hand, print clearly instead of using cursive. Don't leave people guessing whether your 7s are actually 1s.

• The time, date and location of the incident (be specific; write the exact street address, etc.).
• Your name and ID number.
• Names of other members of your organization who were present

• For example, you could write that you were called to a certain address after a person was reported for being drunk and disorderly.
• Note that you should not write what you think might have happened. Stick to the facts, and be objective.

Describing What Happened

• Use the full names of each person included in the report. Identify all persons the first time they are cited in your report by listing: first, middle, and last names; date of birth, race, gender, and reference a government issued identification number. In subsequent sentences, you can then refer to them using just their first and last names: "Doe, John" or "John Doe". Start a new paragraph to describe each person's actions separately. Answer the who, what, when, where, and why of what happened.
• For example, when the police officer mentioned above arrives at the residence where he got the call, he could say: "Upon arrival the officer observed a male white, now known as Doe, John Edwin; date of birth: 03/15/1998; California Driver's License 00789142536, screaming and yelling at a female white,know known as, Doe, Jane, in the front lawn of the above location (the address given earlier). The officer separated both parties involved and conducted field interviews. The officer was told by Mr. John Doe that he had came home from work and discovered that dinner was not made for him. He then stated that he became upset at his wife Mrs. Jane Doe for not having the dinner ready for him."
• If possible, make sure to include direct quotes from witnesses and other people involved in the incident. For example, in the above scenario, the officer could write “Jane said to me ‘Johnny was mad because I didn’t have dinner ready right on time.'”
• Include an accurate description of your own role in the course of what occurred. If you had to use physical force to detain someone, don't gloss over it. Report how you handled the situation and its aftermath.

• For example, instead of saying “when I arrived, his face was red,” you could say, “when I arrived, he was yelling, out of breath, and his face was red with anger.” The second example is better than the first because there are multiple reasons for someone’s face to be red, not just that they are angry.
• Or, instead of saying “after I arrived at the scene, he charged towards me,” you should say “when I arrived at the scene I demanded that both parties stop fighting. After taking a breath and looking at me, he began to run quickly towards me and held his hand up like he was about to strike me.”

• For example, if a witness told you he saw someone leap over a fence and run away, clearly indicate that your report of the incident was based upon a witness account; it is not yet a proven fact.
• Additionally, if you are reporting what the witness told you, you should write down anything that you remember about the witness's demeanor. If their statement's cause controversy later, your report can prove useful. For example, it would be helpful to know that a witness appeared excited while telling you what happened, or if they seemed very calm and evenhanded.

• Keep your writing clear and concise.
• Additionally, do not use legal or technical words: For example, say “personal vehicle” instead of “P.O.V.” (personally owned vehicle), and “scene of the crime” instead of the typical numbered code that police typically use to notify others of their arrival.
• Use short, to-the-point sentences that emphasize facts and that don't leave room for interpretation. Instead of writing "I think the suspect wanted to get back at his wife, because he seemed to have ill intentions when he walked up to her and grabbed her," write "The suspect [insert name] walked over to his wife [name] and forcefully grabbed her by the wrist."

Polishing the Report

• Do not try to make sure that statements in your report match those of your colleagues. Individually filed reports guarantee that more than one account of an incident survives. Incident reports can appear later in a court of law. If you alter the facts of your report to match those of another, you can be penalized.

• Check it one more time for spelling and grammar errors.
• Remove any words that could be seen as subjective or judgmental, like words describing feelings and emotions.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/work-incident-report
• ↑ https://www.csus.edu/campus-safety/police-department/_internal/_documents/rwm.pdf
• ↑ https://www.nfic.org/docs/WrittingEffectiveIncidentReports.pdf
• ↑ https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/ctetechwriting/chapter/accident-and-incident-reports/
• ↑ https://oer.pressbooks.pub/opentrailstechnicalwriting/chapter/writing-incident-reports/

About This Article

If you need to write an incident report, start writing down the basic facts you need to remember as soon as possible, so you don’t start to forget details. Include the time, date, and location of the incident, as well as your name and work ID number and the names of anyone else who was present. Start by describing the general nature of the incident, then write out a detailed, first-person account of what happened. Include as many details as you can. Keep reading for tips on editing and polishing your report. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write an Effective Incident Report [Templates]

By Victoria Clarke , Jun 13, 2023

We all do our best to ensure a happy and healthy workforce. That’s why, in a perfect world, you would never have to create an incident report.

But since incidents do happen, it’s never a bad idea to be prepared for any situation–especially the unexpected.  

Small business owners, human resources teams and workplace emergency first responders: this is the article for you! 

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll share our top tips on creating incident reports that will help you carry out effective investigations and make sure similar (or more serious) incidents don’t happen again.  I’ll also include our top incident report templates to get the job done.

Table of Contents:

• What is an incident report?

What to include in a work incident report?

• How to write an incident report?
• Incident report examples, templates and design tips
• Simple incident report template
• COVID-19 employee incident report templates

All of the templates in this post can be customized using our easy online  incident report maker  tool. It’s free to sign up, many of our templates are free to use too.

What is an incident report? 

An incident report is a form to document all workplace illnesses, injuries, near misses and accidents. An incident report should be completed at the time an incident occurs no matter how minor an injury is.

Here’s one example:

Any illness or injury that impacts an employee’s ability to work must be noted. The specifics of what is required by law to be included in an incident report will vary depending on the federal or provincial legislation that affects your workplace.

If you’re unsure, you can take a look at your government’s website for more details. In certain cases, there are exceptions that can exempt small businesses from complying with such legislation. 

A well-structured incident report typically includes the following five key elements:

• Date, time and location: Provide specific details about when and where the incident occurred. This helps establish a timeline and context for understanding the event.
• Description of the incident: Clearly describe what happened, including relevant details such as the sequence of events, the people involved and any contributing factors. Use objective language and avoid assumptions or opinions.
• Witness information: Include names and contact information for any witnesses to the incident. Their accounts can provide valuable perspectives and corroborate details.
• Action taken: Outline any immediate actions taken to address the incident, such as first aid, evacuation procedures or contacting emergency services. Documenting these responses is crucial for understanding the effectiveness of the initial response.
• Recommendations for prevention: Offer suggestions on how similar incidents can be prevented in the future. This proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to improving safety and mitigating risks.

How to write an incident report ?

It’s important to establish a systematic method for investigating incidents.  

It’s also equally important to have a report prepared that enables you to record every relevant aspect of the incident details–this is the essential first step in the incident reporting process.  

After you’ve created your incident report form, you can: 

• Begin your investigation with fact-finding 
• And end your investigation with determining recommendations for preventing both an increase in the severity of the incident and the possibility of a recurrence.  

To write any incident case reports, follow the basic format described below.

1. Take immediate action 

Employees of your organization should notify their manager or another member of the company’s leadership committee as soon as an incident occurs–regardless of the nature of the event (whether it be an accident, illness, injury or near miss).  

That being said, there need to be communication channels clearly defined to promote the practice of employees coming forward in these situations and the importance of such.

Once an incident has been reported, the member of leadership’s first responsibility is to ensure that appropriate treatment, if necessary, is being administered to those affected by the event.  

On this note: if the hazard still exists, the manager that the event has been reported to must eliminate the hazard by controlling it. Each company should have a defined procedure for accomplishing this based on the nature of their work. 

For example, if there was a spill that caused a fall. You would attend to the victim and promptly have the spill wiped up and identify the area as a hazard by using a sign.

2. Collect the facts 

Once the immediate action including the response to the event and eliminating the hazard from the environment has been conducted, it’s time to determine and record the facts related to the incident details. 

9 facts related to the incident include: 

1. the basics.

Identify the specific location, time and date of the incident. This information is fundamental to the investigation and the most obvious information to collect. 

2. The affected

Collect details of those involved and/or affected by the incident. This would entail recording the name(s) of the individual(s) involved, their job title(s), the department(s) they operate in the manager(s) of those affected. 

3. The witnesses

Speak to any witnesses of the event to collect their perspectives of the event. Record their statements as detailed and accurate as possible in the form.  

To ensure accuracy, it’s best practice to review your notes with the witness to ensure they agree with how the event is portrayed in the report. It’s also important to include the name(s) of any witnesses in the report in case any additional questioning is required. 

4. The context

Consider and document the events that occurred leading up to the incident. Ask:

• What was the employee doing? 
• Who asked them to complete the task? How was the employee feeling prior to the incident? …etc. 

It is important to identify which factors were an outcome of the incident and which factors were present prior to the incident and could be a potential contributing factor to the incident occurring.

5. The actions

In the report, you must specify the actions of those involved at the time of the incident. What did the employee do that led to the incident? 

For example, if an employee injured their back when lifting a box at work, it is important to determine how that employee lifted the box to decide if that contributed to the injury. If yes, then inquire if this employee was trained properly for this task and by who or what source.  

6. The environment

Identify and record environmental conditions that contributed to the event. Was there inadequate lighting? Was a piece of equipment not operating properly? Was the employees’ visibility obstructed by a glare or blind spot? Etc. 

7. The injuries

Record detailed descriptions of specific injuries and evaluate the severity of such in the report. This description should include part(s) of the body injured, nature and extent of injuries. 

8. The treatment

It is also important to document in the incident case report the type of treatment administered for the acknowledged injuries. This information is important to document in order to understand how the employee recovers when reviewing the specifics of the event.

9. The damages

Record an account of any damage to equipment, materials, etc that was affected by the incident. This will be helpful to refer back during the analysis of the event in order to consider both a corrective action plan and to determine what items will need to be repaired or replaced. 

3. Analyze and reflect  

Collecting and recording the facts related to the occurrence of the incident will aid in determining how the incident occurred. Analyzing the collected facts related to the incident will aid in determining why the incident occurred. 

Analyzing and determining how and why the incident occurred is essential in order to develop an effective corrective action plan. 

Potential causes for accidents or injuries that occurred in the workplace could include: 

• Primary causes (for example, an unsalted ice patch on a set of stairs that caused a slip and fall). 
• Secondary causes (for example, an employee not wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, such as a hard helmet or eyewear).
• Other contributing causes (for example: a burned-out light bulb in the area causing poor visibility). 

4. Establish a corrective action plan 

A corrective action plan would provide recommendations as a means to reduce the possibility of a continued issue and/or recurrence of the incident details. The recommendations would result from an effective analysis of the facts collected and documented in the incident report. 

Elements of an effective corrective action plan could include: 

• Occupational Health & Safety training for employees 
• Preventative routine maintenance processes that ensure equipment is in proper working condition 
• A review of job practices and procedures with a recommendation for changes to reduce the risk of incidents 
• Conducting a job hazard analysis to determine if other potential hazards are associated with the task and/or environment and then training employees on these hazards based on the findings of the assessment 
• Engineering, equipment or PPE changes/upgrades to ensure the task or the process of completing said task poses less risk

Incident report examples and design tips

Here are some examples of types of incident reports to help you get started. I’ve also included some report design tips to help you present your information effectively. If you want to dig a bit deeper into the topic , here’s a comprehensive guide to general report design that I find handy.

Incorporate your branding into your report design

As with any document you create for your business, it’s good practice to incorporate your branding into your incident reports. (Psst– Venngage’s Brand Kit feature makes it easy to add your branding in just a click!) 

Include your brand colors in your design. You can do this by using them in the report header, footer, sidebar and in any visuals. 

You could use your brand colors in the background of your incident report:

You may also want to include your logo, like in this incident report template : 

Organize your information into sections using boxes

To make your information as readable as possible, organize it into sections. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using boxes.

For example, take a look at how these types of incident report templates use boxes to section off the information:

This type of incident report example also uses rectangles to denote section headers:

Color code the sections of your incident case report

Colors aren’t just great for making your reports , presentations and charts more interesting to look at. You can also use color to organize sections of your report and to draw attention to key information. 

For more tips on using color in your designs, read our guide on how to pick colors to communicate effectively .

Add a visual header to your incident report

As part of your company branding, you may want to add a visual header to your reports. For example, this incident case report template uses a neutral photo with a color filter to create a professional header:

You can do this in Venngage by overlaying a photo on a color background and adjusting the opacity of the photo: 

You can use the same effect for sidebars as well: 

Make a mock form to offer new team members as an example

If you’re transitioning in staff or something happens when the individual who owns incident reports is away, it’s very important that there is a process documented . That will ensure that if someone is put on the spot, they can fill in the incident report properly.

It can also be helpful to add brief descriptions of the information in the type of incident report to include in each field. Take a look at how this incident report example offers some brief text to guide the person filling it out:

Use icons to visualize concepts

Icons are small, compact visuals that can be used to reinforce the information in your reports. You can also use them to draw attention to specific fields and important pieces of information. 

For example, this incident case report template uses icons to indicate the purpose of each field:

• Preventative routine maintenance processes that ensure equipment is in proper working condition 

Incident report examples

Covid-19 employee incident report template.

Blue healthcare employee critical incident report template

Although being prepared for the unexpected is often difficult, preventative measures are the cornerstone of maintaining a happy and healthy working environment for yourself and your workforce.  

Incident reports are not only a defining piece in any company’s incident response protocol, but they provide a means to avoid recurring mishaps and/or inspire change. 

That’s why it is crucial to have a relevant and comprehensive incident report form prepared and on hand for any incident details that may arise. By adhering to your jurisdiction’s legislation and considering the four components prescribed above, you’ll be well-prepared to handle incidents effectively.

The effect of responding to workplace incidents in a timely and detail-oriented manner will not only ensure a safe workplace but also: 

• Reassure your employees that their employer is prepared to take the right steps in any situation 
• Ensure all appropriate parties are fully informed of incidents 
• Establish a record of incidents for future reference 
• Protect both you/your company and your employees from lawsuits and disputes

FAQs about incident reports

What is the purpose of incident reporting.

An incident report is used to describe an event that requires an investigation that needs to be documented.

Types of incident reports

• Accident Reports
• Workplace Incident Report

What are the 4 types of incidents?

Commonly, incidents can be categorized into four main types:

• Accidents: Involving unintended harm, damage or injury.
• Near Misses: Situations where an accident could have occurred but was narrowly avoided.
• Unsafe Conditions: Reports about hazardous or unsafe environments that need attention.
• Unsafe Acts: Documenting incidents involving violations of safety procedures or rules.

Incident reports generally cover a variety of situations and the specific types may vary based on context and industry. It’s important to note that these categories can overlap and the classification may differ depending on the reporting system or industry standards.

More HR guides and templates:

• 12 Powerful Performance Review Examples (+ Expert Tips By an HR Manager)
• 17 Essential Human Resources Poster Templates

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How To Write An Incident Report (And Use It To Improve Safety)

In our daily lives, unexpected events can occur at any moment, especially in a dynamic workplace or other complex environments. These events, often referred to as incidents, can range from minor mishaps to significant emergencies . But what happens after an incident occurs? How do organizations ensure that they learn from these experiences and prevent them from happening again? The answer lies in a critical process known as workplace incident reporting .

What is Incident Reporting?

Incident reporting is the process of documenting all details of an unexpected event in a workplace or other environment. It's not just about jotting down what happened; it's a systematic approach to capturing the who, what, where, when, and why of an incident.

The Incident report is a vital tool for safety, compliance and continuous improvement.

• Safety : By analyzing incidents, organizations can identify risks and hazards, leading to more robust safety measures.
• Compliance : Many industries have legal requirements to report specific incidents. Proper reporting ensures that organizations meet these obligations.
• Continuous Improvement : Incident reports are learning tools. They help organizations understand their weaknesses and strengths, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and growth.

Whether you're a manager overseeing a large team, an employee responsible for safety, or simply someone interested in organizational best practices, this guide will provide you with the insights and tools needed to make incident reporting a valuable part of your daily operations.

Get To Know More About Incident Reports

An incident report is a formal record of an unexpected or unusual event that could have or did result in harm or other consequences. Why is it formal? An incident report needs to be structured to capture essential details. The insights and evidence gained from incident details can be crucial for various purposes including route cause analysis.

• Purpose : The primary purpose of an incident report is to provide a clear and concise account of the incident. It serves as a valuable tool for understanding what happened, why it happened, and what can be done to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
• Common Elements : An incident report typically includes specific details such as the date and time of the incident, the people involved, the location, a description of the event, any injuries or damages, and the actions taken in response. These elements ensure that the report is not only informative but also actionable.
• Usage Across Industries : Incident reports are not confined to a particular sector or industry. From healthcare to construction, from IT to retail, incident reports are used universally to maintain safety standards, comply with regulations, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Types of Incident Reports

Incidents are as varied as the environments in which they occur. From a minor equipment malfunction in a manufacturing plant to a significant security breach in an IT firm, incidents come in all shapes and sizes. Consequently, incident reports are not one-size-fits-all; they are tailored to the specific nature of the incident and the industry in which it occurs. Understanding the various types of incident reports is crucial for ensuring that the right information is captured and the appropriate actions are taken.

Here's a list of the most common types of incident reports used across different industries:

• Safety Incidents : These reports cover accidents , injuries, or near misses in the workplace. They are vital in industries like construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, where physical safety is paramount.
• Security Incidents : In the digital age, security incidents like data breaches or unauthorized access are increasingly common. These reports detail the nature of the security threat and the measures taken to mitigate it.
• Quality Incidents : In sectors like manufacturing and food processing, quality incidents relate to deviations from quality standards or specifications. These reports help in identifying areas for improvement in product quality.
• Compliance Incidents : Compliance incidents involve violations of legal or regulatory requirements. These reports are crucial for maintaining adherence to laws and industry standards.
• Behavioral Incidents : In educational or care settings, behavioral incidents like bullying or misconduct are documented to ensure proper handling and resolution.
• Medical Incidents : In healthcare, medical incidents such as medication errors or patient falls are meticulously recorded to enhance patient care and safety.

How to Write an Effective Incident Report

Writing an effective incident report requires capturing the essence of an incident in a way that's informative, actionable, and conducive to learning. 

Here are some key steps to guide you in this process

• Add a 'What Happened' Heading : Start your report with a clear heading that summarizes the incident. This gives an immediate understanding of the event and sets the tone for the rest of the report. For example, "Fire in Warehouse" or "Data Breach in IT Department."
• Use the 'Was' Sentence Structure : Begin your description with a structure like "The incident was..." to define it clearly. This helps in setting a factual tone and ensures that the report is objective. For instance, "The incident was a fire that broke out in the warehouse on July 15, 2023."
• Fully Define the Incident in 2-3 Sentences : Be concise yet informative. Describe the incident, its impact, and immediate actions taken. Avoid unnecessary details but ensure that the critical aspects of the incident are covered.
• Match the Incident Report Format : Follow a standardized format for your report. This typically includes sections like incident details, people involved, actions taken, and recommendations. Adhering to a format ensures consistency and makes the report easier to understand.
• Include Evidence and Witnesses : Incorporate any supporting information, such as photographs of the incident, CCTV footage, or witness statements. This strengthens the report and provides a more comprehensive picture of the incident.
• Prioritize Immediate Reporting : Emphasize the importance of reporting the incident as soon as possible. Timely reporting ensures that details are not forgotten and allows for swift action to be taken.
• Iterate and Review : Review the report for clarity, accuracy, and completeness. Make necessary revisions and check for any missing information. Remember, an incident report is not just a document; it's a tool for learning and improvement.

By following these steps, you can create an incident report that's not just a record of an event, but a valuable resource for understanding, learning, and preventing future incidents. In the next sections, we'll delve deeper into each type of incident report, providing you with specific insights and examples to guide your reporting process .

Benefits of Proper Incident Reporting

• Improved Safety : By documenting incidents, organizations can identify patterns, uncover risks, and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. This leads to a safer work environment and a culture that prioritizes employee well-being.
• Ensured Compliance : Many industries have legal or regulatory requirements for incident reporting. Proper reporting ensures that these obligations are met, avoiding potential penalties and maintaining the organization's reputation.
• Learning Opportunities : Each incident report is a learning opportunity. It provides insights into what went wrong, why it happened, and how it can be prevented, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Accountability and Transparency : Incident reports promote accountability and transparency. They provide a clear record of events, actions taken, and decisions made, ensuring that all stakeholders have access to the same information.

To further illustrate the importance of proper incident reporting, let's contrast it with the risks of inadequate reporting in the table below:

Wrapping Up

Workplace incident reporting is a critical process to ensure you prevent future incidents from occurring. Rather than making mistakes and sweeping them under the rug, organizations can learn from mistakes and improve worker safety. I hope this article has shed some light on how to write an effective incident report. But what are your next steps? Check out our free Incident Report Template that can help you turn an incident into an opportunity to improve worker safety and meet compliance. Download the interactive PDF here.

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Incident Report Samples to Help You Describe Accidents

Your company’s incident report form should make it easy to record the details of a workplace accident. Even fill-in-the-blank forms require a long-form description of the incident. This portion of the report can be the most difficult part to write.

In this article, we provide completed incident report samples to help you hone your documentation skills.

What Does an Incident Report Need to Include?

An incident report is a formal recording of the facts related to a workplace accident, injury, or near miss . Its primary purpose is to uncover the circumstances and conditions that led to the event in order to prevent future incidents. 

Every incident report you file should contain a minimum of the following:

• Type of incident (injury, near miss, property damage, or theft)
• Date of incident
• Time of incident
• Name of affected individual
• A narrative description of the incident, including the sequence of events and results of the incident
• Injuries, if any
• Treatments required, if any
• Witness name(s)
• Witness statements
• Other workers involved
• Video and/or 360-degree photographs of the scene

Include quantifiable measurements where possible. For example, the ladder capacity is 250 lbs and the victim was hoisting 300 lbs. 

Finally, where more than one person is injured in an incident, create a unique report for each affected employee . While it’s fine to duplicate general details between reports of this nature, you’ll need to include details specific to that person, such as the event from their point of view or medical records.

When Does an Incident Report Need to Be Completed?

Create an incident report as soon as your employees are safe , which includes seeking medical attention and implementing an immediate corrective action to prevent further danger or damage.

By recording details immediately, you improve the accuracy of your report and the effects of your corrective actions. While it may take a few days to complete your report, it should take you only hours (or less) to start it. 

Depending on your company policies and oversight from relevant regulatory bodies, you may be legally bound to complete an incident report within a given amount of time. If the incident resulted in a recordable injury, you must complete OSHA Form 301 within seven days. In addition, you may need to send your report to the organization providing oversight, US Federal or State OSHA , for example, within a given period of time. 

Review federal OSHA incident reporting and recordkeeping requirements or visit your state OSHA website for details. Remember that you must also report a fatality, hospitalization, or amputation directly to OSHA.

Safety Management Tip : Safesite Premium users enjoy streamlined OSHA incident recording with Safesite’s OSHA300 log integration feature .

Incident Reporting Mistakes to Avoid

Incident reports are more than a mandatory form to complete: they’re a vital part of your recordkeeping practices both for compliance and safety in general. Their importance means you want to get as much relevant information as you can as quickly as possible. But sometimes, safety teams can get in their own way and miss out on important details by making common mistakes.

Blame-casting and just getting it done are two common incident reporting mistakes you should avoid.  

It is easy to go on a witch hunt when accidents happen. However, incident reports aren’t created for the purpose of finding out who’s to blame. While staff should be held responsible (as stipulated by company policy) when they knowingly endanger themselves others, an incident report should focus on improving workplace safety.

If you make it clear you’ll abide by company policy but are not out to cast blame, you increase the likelihood that employees will participate in your incident investigation and provide honest witness statements. These factors create a stronger incident report.

In addition, if you rush through the report to “just get it done,” you may miss out on important details or lack clarity in wording. Irresponsible reporting can lead your team into even more danger, while detailed, clear reporting can lead to improved work conditions and better training. 

Three Incident Report Samples

Below are some sample incident report formats for three common types of workplace accidents. Use them as guides to effectively describe events.

Injury and Lost Time Incident Report Sample

If an injury requiring medical treatment, lost time/altered responsibilities happens in your workplace, it’s important to document it ASAP while the details are still fresh in memory. 

Here are some of the vital elements to include in your description of the incident:

• Location (Address)
• Date/time of incident
• Name of supervisor
• Description of the incident, including specific job site location, the sequence of events, and the results of the event
• Whether or not proper PPE was being used
• The root cause(s) of the incident
• Associated hazards raised and resolved following the event
• The affected individual’s version of the events
• Actions taken by concerned individuals after the incident
• Description of injuries
• How the decision was made to call (or not to call) emergency services
• Treatment required
• Photographs of the scene 

Though the details above seem excessive, mentioning them in the incident report paints a more accurate picture. It’s important to include the above information in as detailed and concise a manner as possible. Holes in your report could lead to inferences and missed opportunities to create a safer workplace.

To write an incident report, use a narrative format. In other words, simply tell the story. Here’s an incident report sample description of a slip or fall resulting in a fracture, written in narrative form:

“On Friday afternoon, February 3, 2019, at 2 p.m. in ABC Shipping Co. located in 13th Avenue, Applewood, one of the warehouse workers (John Keegan) slipped and fell while carrying heavy (85 lbs) inventory. The root cause is believed to be the unavailability of a hand truck or pallet jack. Instead of waiting, John attempted carrying the load himself. A second possible cause is the condition of John’s PPE, specifically his boots, which are very worn in certain places.

When John fell, his colleagues rushed to his assistance. Suspecting a fracture, the supervisor on the floor (Kathy Pickens) decided to call 911. John said he felt a bit dizzy when he lost his balance and that he just ‘tripped over his feet.’ He tried to minimize damage to the load itself while falling, which may have led to a more awkward fall.

Two of his co-workers said that they noticed he was struggling a bit before the fall, but were busy with their own tasks and felt it would be rude to ‘call him out.’ See the attached witness statements for more info.

John was taken to a nearby hospital and a fracture to his wrist was confirmed. John will be out of work for a number of weeks.

The supervisor is currently working with the safety officer (Chris Darnell) to assess the condition of the floor, the number and condition of hand trucks and pallet jacks on the floor, as well as the condition of company-provided boots over two years old.”

As you can see, including the full story, complete with small details and witness statements will help you investigate and recall the incident with greater clarity.

After documenting the incident, you may have legal reporting requirements. Report and store the files according to recordkeeping requirements from regulatory bodies. It’s generally best practice to preserve the files for the duration of employment.

Exposure Incident Report Example

When exposure to dangerous chemicals or pathogens occurs, it’s important to document the event carefully in an incident report.

Including the following details will make your exposure incident report more effective:

• Name of affected individual
• Name of Supervisor
• Description of the incident, including specific job site location, sequence of events, and results of the event
• Name of the chemical/pathogen/carcinogen, amount, concentration, and description of hazard labels/safety data sheets (SDS)
• Exposure monitoring data, if available
• Whether or not a contaminated sharp was involved
• Description of injuries, including body part(s) exposed, length of exposure, and size of area exposed
• Signs and symptoms displayed
• Photographs of the scene and hazard labels involved

Here’s an incident report sample description for overexposure via inhalation:

“Josh Lee, a freight handler in XYZ Shipping Lines, was exposed to carbon monoxide fumes on December 2, 2017, Tuesday, from (estimated) 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM. He was at the unloading bay B, helping unload some freight from various containers with the help of two forklift operators: Kit Stevens and Donald Summers, neither of which complained of symptoms.

During unloading, Lee suddenly experienced lightheadedness and nausea. He informed his supervisor (Donna Martin) that he thought he was ill. 

Martin noticed his symptoms were consistent with CO exposure, so she walked over to the area and felt the air quality seemed off. She ran a sensor (Portable Direct Reading Monitor) and discovered that CO levels were on the high end but within the acceptable limit: 30 PPM.

Stevens and Summers were ordered to turn off powered vehicles and sit in fresh air for an hour while the ventilation system could be examined (see attached report). 

Lee was driven to the hospital by Martin to receive treatment. On the way, he complained of blurred vision briefly but said that it had cleared up upon walking into the ER. A full report will be attached once received.

Lee’s colleagues, Stevens and Summers, didn’t notice anything out of the norm with the air quality, but Summers acknowledged that at 11:00 AM, his vehicle had been left running near the open end of a container for thirty minutes while Lee was adjusting two improperly arranged pallets just inside. There is no air quality data from that time.”

Be sure to attach medical reports and lost-time from work, if any, to your initial report. Keep the report on hand for the duration of the employee’s tenure with the company, at a minimum. 

First Aid Incident Report Sample

Some workplace mishaps result in an injury that requires on-site or walk-in medical first aid treatment. Often, workers can return and finish their shift. Recording an incident report is still vitally important, even where it’s not expressly required by regulatory bodies.

Here is an incident report sample description for incidents resulting in the need for first aid. 

“ On May 12, 2019, at around 9:34 AM. at King Street job site, Michael Williams was hit by an air nail gun that had been dropped by Carl Simone near the top of a staircase and gained momentum as it tumbled down. 

Williams, who was nailing drywall at the bottom of the staircase and wearing noise protective headphones, eye protection, and a short-sleeved shirt, was hit in the arm, causing a bruise and abrasion. He was treated with antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, a bandage, and an ice pack on site. Williams returned to work within a half hour. 

Simone had shouted a warning after he dropped the gun, but Williams said he did not hear it. Simone said that he simply lost his grip, but Williams said he felt that the tool may have been ‘swung’ before dropping. There were no other witnesses to report on the circumstances of the accident. 

Simone was wearing gloves when he dropped the nail gun. There are no outstanding hazards related to this incident and all workers will be reminded about glove selection and tool handling at the next safety meeting.”

While you should always document injuries requiring first aid internally, you typically don’t need to add them to your Form 300A or other regulatory reporting. In fact, doing so can needlessly elevate your incident rate.

An Incident Report Template to Improve Your System

Your incident reporting system should allow your employees to easily document all of the information listed in the incident report samples above. If your incident forms are easy to fill out in the field, you’re more likely to capture accurate, timely information. 

With Safesite, you can complete an incident report in six easy steps:

• Tap Log Incident
• Select your inicent report type (injury, near miss, property damage, theft, or equipment failure) and location, date, and time
• Input your incident description and an incident photo
• Tag the person involved and witnesses from your team
• Complete root cause analysis
• Log your incident

Safesite’s incident report form can be filled out on-site via iOS or Android app. It includes places to record the details of the event, images of the scene, and witness statements. It also allows you to raise associated hazards and identify a root cause. 

An incident report can also be completed using paper, but many companies now look to secure software to not only document and store incidents but also to trend problem areas and reveal safety gaps. 

Not ready to go mobile yet? Here’s a paper template you can edit and use in the meantime:

Raising and Resolving Hazards

Many incidents and near misses will involve hazards that could cause immediate or future harm to your employees if not resolved. From tagging and removing damaged equipment from service to safely dismantling corrupted structures, your incident reporting process is not truly complete until you resolve the danger. 

To keep things straightforward, include hazard descriptions and actions on your incident reports. With Safesite, you can create hazards from within an incident report by tapping Add Root Cause Hazard. Then, you’ll be able to alert your team of the hazard in real-time and assign it to someone for resolution. And you can do it without deviating from your incident report.

Tip: Want to streamline hazard management without missing a beat? Check out our guide to faster hazard recognition and resolution .

Go Forth and Report

When writing incident reports, be objective about the details. Your main goal is improving workplace safety, not pointing fingers at who is responsible. The incident report samples provided show that by staying true to the facts, you encourage employee participation in your investigations.

Digital reporting automates part of the process, saving you time and reducing human error. Improve your incident reporting process by using a digital reporting tool, like Safesite , that integrates alerts and hazard resolution in a single place.

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By Team Safesite

We're a group of safety and tech professionals united in our desire to make every workplace safer. We keep a pulse on the latest regulations, standards, and industry trends in safety and write about them here on our blog.

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Related blog posts, why employee engagement is the key to unlocking safety program performance, everything you need to know before changing your safety software, safesite’s step-by-step guide to safety program digitization.

An email explaining an incident

Learn how to write an email to explain an incident to your manager.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation

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To : [email protected] From : [email protected] Subject : Process issues in the team

Dear Steve,

Since you requested in our recent line management meeting for me to inform you of any issues, I'm writing to tell you about a recent incident. Last week, after experiencing some difficulties with the order processing system, tensions arose in the team and a confrontation occurred between two team members.

I've outlined what led to this incident below:

1. There was a system update that we weren't expecting last week. The update slightly changed the interface menu. Everything is still there but people have said it's not easy to find some of the menu items they're looking for.

2. There seems to have been a period of time after the update that new entries weren't being saved. This led to some work being lost. We worked overtime to catch up on everything and all orders have been processed. But as a consequence there was a general feeling of pressure and tiredness in the team.

As a result of these challenging circumstances there was some tension, leading to a disagreement between Johann and Maria. Johann lost his temper and made some inappropriate remarks to Maria.

I met with them both in order to reflect on and resolve the conflict. Johann has apologised for his behaviour and he realises that Maria could have chosen to start disciplinary proceedings. They have worked together on a plan to improve communication and therefore alleviate tensions within the team.

I've also asked our colleagues in the IT department to run a training session for us all on how to best use the system in light of the recent software upgrades.

There's no specific action for you to take, but I felt it important that you're kept in the loop.

I'll keep you posted.

• Write clearly and get straight to the issue.
• Soften the impact of bad news by using words like issue , challenge and difficulty rather than problem . Using  seems to be rather than is also has the same effect.
• Use positive words with a negation, e.g. not easy , rather than negative-sounding words, e.g. difficult .
• Focus on the issue rather than people involved by using passive forms, e.g.  ... new entries weren't being saved.
• Focus on solutions rather than problems.
• State clearly what action, if any, is necessary.

TrueOrFalse_MjMxNDI=.xml

Matching_MjMxNDM=.xml

MultipleChoice_MjMxNDQ=.xml

Do you ever have to write emails like this at work? Do you find it difficult to give bad news?

Language level

Dear Mr. Tyler

We had some problems when we handed in our assignments in your virtual classroom. I was unable to turn in my coursework on time due to a few technological issues. As for the delay, I’m writing to tell you about an unwanted incident that we caught when it came to submission time.

I’ve outlined what led to this incident below:

There was a malfunction in my computer and I failed to press the submit button. Some students experienced similar things such as weak internet connections or even losing the result after they submitted. This may be caused by poor facilities in the university computer lab which are proposed for maintenance and renewal.

We are all confused and worried about receiving terrible scores. Some of the students are even furious and can’t control their bad tempers, which leads to inappropriate behaviors. They used horrible words to attack the technical department instead of suggesting constructive criticisms. As a consequence, the college took disciplinary action against these students.

We have let the lab management know about this issue. It might take a few days to solve this machinery problem resulting in my delayed submission. I sincerely hope you may excuse this inconvenience.

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I hope you are well. As the guardian of your child Clara, I am writing to tell you about an incident that happened last night. After experiencing some difficulties with the laundry machine, tensions arouse and a confrontation occurred between Clara and Beth, my daughter.

I have outlined what led to the conflict below; 1. There was a system malfunction on my laundry machine which have used for more than 15 years. 2. The two had some clothes to be cleansed for the next school day. Upon Clara coming back from school, she operated the machine. Everything was good at that moment. However, Beth came back from her school an hour later, she found that the machine didn't work at all. 3. Beth thought that Clara intentionally broke the machine to make trouble for her. Even though I explained that it must be caused by the age of the machine, she seemed not to accept my explanation at all. 4. As a result of these challenging circumstances there was some tension, leading to a disagreement between Clara and Beth. Finally, Beth lost her temper and made inappropriate remarks to Clara.

I have tried to resolve this conflict wholeheartedly by making a training session for the two in order to improve communication and alleviate the tension between them, but I realize that it is beyond my capability. In spite of my consecutive advice, Beth has had neither a willingness to apologize to Clara for her behavior nor a will to change her mind towards your daughter Clara. I have no choice but to start disciplinary proceedings in light of the future of my daughter. I will send my daughter Beth to your house tomorrow. Please teach her how to fix a broken laundry machine properly. I believe this is the only way the conflict would be resolved smoothly.

There are many actions for you to take though, I hope Beth will get good skills under a professional artisan like you.

I know that you may be busy but I felt it important that I am kept in the roop. Please keep me posted.

With warmest regards, John

Not at all, I don't have any occasion to write such email since I don't work in a corporate business. But I have encountered conflicts in school setting that I needed to write an email to my professor.

Dear Mr. Jones,

I'm writing to tell about the challenges we are experiencing at the moment, Last week our class was assigned to organized an Intramural Sports Competition in light of the University 50th Anniversary. After deliberating for the preparation, Few member of the faculty have a heated discussion. Since you are in charge to oversee the planning for the event. We'd like to ask your suggestion on how to solve this issue.

I've outline preparations that have been done,

* Announcement Flyers are posted in every school department bulletin board. * 30 Promising athletes has been registered for the competition. However We're in short of 20 athletes, As to how to encourage more participant for the event, We would like to ask for your suggestions. * The Sports Stadium has been booked on November 2-4

Take acount that the participants and students involved for this event preparation are also preparing for their Final Exam. As a results of this challenging time, tensions between students department are seems to be getting out of hand.

Please help us settle this issue so we can reach a common ground and make this event successful.

Kind Regards, Grace

Yes, to my PE teacher back in when I was G7. This annoying girl in my group won't do any work, and I have to finish all the work for her. This caused our group to get a low mark, so I sent an email to the teacher explaining the situation. There are always conflicts happening when people are working together because each holds their own opinions.

We are all different so sometimes we can face a disagreement or a little (sometimes more than little) tension in our teams. Especially, when people are tired or something bad happened in the work process. I think this is not so bad as it feels when it occurs. Everyone needs sometimes to blow steam. I'm not talking now about toxic people who always behave inappropriately but about of occasional moment when you just can't control your actions. How to write a letter about that? Well, first of all, you need to fully calm down. Try to look at a bad situation a kind of outside, like all this happened with someone else, some strangers. Another good point, before to start writing a letter, try to look at it like you aren't a sender but a receiver. Try to read your email like as you didn't know about the situation before and now you are trying to get a full picture from the message. This could help you avoid to be misunderstanding. Of course, it would be great to use, how to say, the soft words instead of tough ones - they often mean the same but could help you to make situation less difficult to solve.

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Incident Report Writing: A Comprehensive Guide

What is an incident report.

An incident report is a document that records details about an unexpected event that occurs within an organization. This could be an accident, injury, security breach, or any other type of incident that deviates from normal operations and leads to loss of production, assets, or reputation.

An incident report form or letter typically includes information about what happened, when and where it occurred, who was involved, and any actions taken in response to the incident. It’s used to document the facts, facilitate an investigation, and develop strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Types of Incident Reports in Various Industries

Incident reports can vary widely across different industries, reflecting each sector’s unique risks and requirements. Here are some incident report examples according to industry:

Construction

Workplace injuries , equipment malfunctions, safety violations, and environmental incidents are all types of incidents that can occur in a workplace.

Medical errors, such as wrong medication or dose, patient falls , equipment malfunctions, and data security breaches that compromise patient information, are all critical safety concerns that must be addressed to ensure a safe healthcare environment.

Manufacturing

Machine breakdowns, quality control issues, workplace accidents, and chemical spills are common problems that can occur in a workplace.

Information Technology

Data breaches, system outages, unauthorized access, and software bugs are all potential cybersecurity threats that can compromise the security and integrity of computer systems, networks, and sensitive information.

Transportation

Vehicle accidents , cargo damage, safety non-compliance, and environmental spills.

Bullying, injuries occurring on school premises, security threats, and data privacy breaches.

Hospitality

Foodborne illnesses, guest injuries, security breaches, and property damage are all adverse events and potential issues.

Each industry will define specific protocols for incident reporting to address different types of workplace incidents .

Why is an Incident Report Important?

Incident reports are important because they provide a detailed account of unexpected events that occur within a company or organization. These reports help in identifying the root causes of incidents, ensuring accountability, and facilitating the development of strategies to prevent future occurrences.

They are also crucial for compliance with legal and safety regulations, and they can be used as documentation for audits, investigations, or legal proceedings. Proper incident reporting helps maintain a safe and healthy working environment by enabling organizations to learn from past incidents and improve their risk management practices.

What Should Be Included in an Incident Report?

A good incident report should include the following details:

Date and Time

It is essential to record the precise date and time of the incident. This information can be crucial for future reference and analysis and may also assist in identifying any patterns or trends that could inform preventative measures. Therefore, please be as specific as possible when recording the date and time of the incident.

Be as specific as possible. Include the exact address of the location and the specific area within the building or property where the incident happened.

Personal Details

Include the names and positions of those involved, including witnesses.

Incident Description

Provide a detailed and comprehensive description of the incident. This should include any contextual information, such as the time and location of the incident, any individuals involved, the sequence of events leading up to the incident, and any relevant details regarding the aftermath, such as any damages or injuries sustained. Ensure that your description is clear, concise, and accurate, and that it provides a complete picture of the incident in question.

Injuries or Damage

It is important to thoroughly document any injuries sustained by individuals involved, as well as any damage to property or equipment. This documentation should include detailed descriptions of the injuries and damages, as well as photographs or video footage if possible. It is also recommended to gather contact information from any witnesses who may have observed the incident.

Actions Taken

Provide a detailed account of the steps taken immediately after the incident occurred. This should include any first aid administered or involvement of emergency services such as medical personnel or law enforcement. Include any relevant details, such as the time of the incident, the location, and the individuals involved.

Reported By

The information required in this field is the full name of the individual who is completing the report, as well as their signature. It is important to ensure that both pieces of information are accurate and legible to ensure that the report is properly documented and filed. Providing a clear and complete name and signature will also help verify the authenticity of the report and the individual who submitted it.

Follow-Up Actions

When outlining any follow-up actions that are planned or required, it’s important to be as detailed as possible. This might include listing specific repairs or maintenance tasks that need to be completed and any necessary policy changes or updates. It’s also important to assign responsibility for each action item and set clear deadlines for completion. By being thorough and specific in your follow-up plan, you can ensure that all necessary steps are taken to address the issue at hand and prevent similar problems from arising in the future.

Remember to keep the report factual, objective, and free from personal opinions or assumptions.

Analysis and Techniques Used in an Incident Report

When conducting an analysis for incident reporting, it is important to use a systematic approach. Common types of analysis include:

1. Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a methodical approach used to identify the underlying reasons for a problem or incident. The goal of RCA is to find the primary cause of an issue so that you can address it and prevent recurrence. It involves collecting data, analyzing it, and determining the root causes.

2. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a systematic, step-by-step approach for identifying all possible failures in a design, a manufacturing or assembly process, or a product or service. It is used to determine the impact of different types of failures, to classify the severity of the failures, and to identify actions that could eliminate or reduce the chance of the potential failure occurring. FMEA also helps to prioritize which actions should be taken to prevent future failures. If you need a detailed document or task on this topic, you might consider creating one in your workspace.

The “5 Whys” is a problem-solving technique that involves asking “Why?” five times (or as many times as needed) to drill down to the root cause of a particular problem. By repeatedly asking why a problem occurs, you can peel away the layers of symptoms and get to the core issue. This method is straightforward to use without statistical analysis. The goal is to determine a cause-and-effect relationship between the issues that contribute to the main problem.

4. Barrier Analysis

A method used in safety management and risk assessment to identify and evaluate obstacles that prevent potential risks and hazards from leading to incidents. It involves analyzing the controls and barriers that are in place to protect against failures and determining if they are adequate. If you need to perform a barrier analysis or create documentation on it, you might consider outlining the process, controls, and barriers related to specific risks in your projects or operations within a new document in your workspace. This analysis is looking at the controls that failed to prevent the incident.

5. Change Analysis

Change analysis is a process used to understand the changes that have occurred in a system or process and to evaluate the impact of those changes. It typically involves comparing the current state with a previous state to identify differences and potential effects. If you need to perform a change analysis, consider documenting the before-and-after states of the system or process, the changes made, and the observed impacts within a new document in your workspace. This analysis technique examines what was different or changed that could have led to the incident.

These analytical methods help in understanding the underlying reasons for the incident and in developing effective preventive measures.

How to Write an Incident Report?

To prepare a full incident report from A to Z in detail, follow these steps:

1. Immediate Response

As soon as the incident occurs, ensure that the area is safe and provide immediate assistance to any injured parties.

2. Notification

Inform the relevant authorities or supervisors about the incident as per company policy.

3. Documentation

Collect all necessary information regarding the incident. This includes the date, time, location, incident description, witnesses’ names and accounts, and any immediate actions taken.

4. Analysis

Conduct a thorough analysis of the incident to determine the root cause. This could involve methods such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA) or the 5 Whys technique.

5. Report Writing

Compile the information into a structured document. Start with an executive summary, followed by a detailed account of the incident, analysis, and any supporting evidence like photos or witness statements.

6. Action Plan

Develop a plan to address the root causes and prevent recurrence. This should include corrective actions and any changes to policies or procedures.

7. Review and Approval

Have the report reviewed by the relevant parties for accuracy and completeness. Make any necessary revisions.

8. Distribution

Distribute the report to all stakeholders, including management, affected employees, and, if necessary, external parties like regulatory agencies.

9. Follow-Up

Implement the action plan and monitor its effectiveness over time. Adjust the plan as needed based on feedback and further observations.

10. Record Keeping

Store the incident report securely for future reference and legal compliance, and to inform safety improvements.

Remember to maintain confidentiality and comply with all legal and regulatory requirements throughout the process.

An incident report is a formal documentation of the facts related to an unexpected event in the workplace or another environment. These reports vary across industries, including healthcare, construction , IT and manufacturing, reflecting specific risks and compliance requirements in each sector.

Reporting incidents is crucial for identifying hazards, preventing future occurrences, and ensuring legal and regulatory compliance. When reporting, it’s important to consider the accuracy and completeness of the information.

To write an effective incident report, one should gather all relevant information, describe the incident clearly and objectively, analyze the causes, and suggest preventive measures.

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• Incident Report: Examples, Form Templates & Writing Guide

The saying, “accidents are bound to happen” is true for every individual and organization. In fact, it is normal to encounter incidents that have a far-reaching effect on productivity and when this happens, such an event should be accurately documented in an incident report.

An incident report, therefore, is the first step any individual or organization should take upon the occurrence of any unforeseen event that affects its output while putting other persons at risk. In this article, we will highlight the different features of an incident report and show you how to create an incident report form on Formplus . 

What is an Incident Report?

An incident report is a document that accurately provides the details of an incident; especially one that causes damages, injury, or death. It helps an organization to accurately profile the different events leading to such an incident and the aftermath(s) of this occurrence. 

It is also referred to as an accident report because it typically outlines information relating to an accident or injury. However, an incident report can also contain information about near misses or other unusual or hazardous happenings in different contexts. 

Features of an Incident Report  

An incident report is defined by the following features:

• Detailed Description : It narrates all the events surrounding the incident in question in their exact manner of occurrence. An incident report may include the following information: 
• The circumstances surrounding the incident.
• Date, time, and location of the incident.
• The details on witnesses and victims, if any.
• Reactionary measures put in place.
• The aftermath of the incident.
• Corrective actions are taken to reduce the likelihood of another incident. 

The more specific the incident report is, the more useful it will be in informing corrective decisions. 

• Facts : In an incident report, only the facts are stated. In this document, the reporter is not expected to communicate his or her feelings or opinions about the incident as this can distort the accuracy of the report and distract the organization from the details of the event. 
• Objectivity : An incident report must be written in an objective manner that is devoid of any emotions; regardless of the nature of the incident. The reporter must take extra care to avoid sentiments that can get in the way of an objective presentation of the details of the incident. 
• Sequence: An incident report presents events chronologically, that is, in their sequence of occurrence. The details must be organized in a logical manner that is easy to read, navigate and understand, and you are free to use subheadings and bullet points where applicable. 
• Witness Statements : When necessary, include first-hand information provided by witnesses about the incident. This can be in the form of direct statements made by the witnesses and they should be placed within quotation marks while you also provide information that explains the witnesses’ positions.
• Authorization: An incident report must be formally authorized by the reporter and other supervisor officers in the organization. This validates the information provided and it is important for the supervisory officer to proofread the information provided before appending his or her signature on the document. 

Types of Incident Reports

1. workplace incident report  .

A workplace incident report is a form that is used to profile physical occurrences that impact an employee’s productivity in the workplace. It includes workplace injuries, near misses, and accidents that have a negative impact on the employee (s) and the organization, in general. 

Usually, labor laws specify the kind of information that should be spelled out in a workplace incident report. This type of incident report may also highlight an employee’s concerns with an organization’s safety practices, security breaches, and workplace conduct. 

Examples of workplace incident reports include:

• A report about sexual harassment or assault in the workplace.
• A report about a fire incident that occurred within the office premises. 

2. Accident Report  

An accident report is a type of incident report that contains information about an accident or emergency that may be fatal, ghastly, or minor. An accident report is not restricted to the workplace as it can also be filed by law enforcement agents and safety officers. 

It is also referred to as an accident investigation report because it highlights all the probable causative factors that are responsible for the accident. It also helps the concerned parties to determine the extent of the damage and to support or refute insurance claims. 

Examples of accident reports include:

• A report on a fatal plane crash.
• A report of an explosion on an organization’s premises.

3. Security/Police Incident Report . 

A police incident report is a type of incident report that is used to keep track of the thefts/losses and any other types of security events that take place within specific premises. This report is important because it helps an organization keep track of security breaches and safety measures.

A security or police incident report is usually filed by the security personnel in charge of the premises where the security breach took place. It can also be filed in cases of computer system breaches, unauthorized access to an organization’s database, and compromised user accounts. 

Examples of safety and security incident report include:

• A report of property theft in an organization.
• A report on a burglary attempt in a neighborhood. 

Here are 7 Incident Report Form Template

1. incident report form.

Use this incident report form template to swiftly collect information about accidents and injuries as they occur. The Formplus incident report form will help your organization to easily track and record any unfortunate incidents and this information can prove useful in forestalling such an occurrence in the future. 

This form allows you to collect useful information about the victim, the location of the incident, and the nature of the incident. You can edit it in the form builder by adding more form fields to enable you to collect more information such as the signature of the reporter and the time of the report. 

2. Sexual Harassment Complaint Form

Allow your employees and clients to easily report any cases of sexual harassment for immediate investigation and redress using this sexual harassment complaint form . This form template enables victims of sexual harassment to inform the appropriate authorities about sexual abuse and sexual assault in the workplace.

With multiple form sharing options, Formplus allows you to easily share this sexual harassment form with your employees and the general public. You can embed the form on your organization’s website and you can also share it with your official social media pages through the direct sharing buttons.

3. Workplace Harassment Form

The Formplus workplace harassment form allows your employees to file a formal complaint about workplace harassment. This workplace harassment form template will help you to effectively track and address any cases of bullying, sexual harassment or assault in your organization. 

With this form, you can collect a range of important information with regard to the nature of the harassment and the employee details of the complainant and the accused. You can use this form template or edit it to suit your organization’s needs in the form builder. 

4. Online Petition Form

Do you want to advocate for a change or register your displeasure about a particular policy or action? Use this online petition form template to easily create a petition for the government, an individual or an organization. 

In the Formplus online petition form, you can directly collect digital signatures from petition signatories using the e-signature field. Formplus also allows your form respondents to fill and submit your online petition when they have limited or no internet access.

5. Proxy Form

With this proxy form template, you can formally empower a third party to make decisions on your behalf for a specific period of time. This form serves as a legal tender and it helps you to avoid the inconsistencies that are associated with a verbal authorization.  

The Formplus proxy form template contains signature fields that collect the digital signatures of all parties involved in this agreement. You can also edit the form in the builder to include more form fields when you sign up on Formplus

6. Bug Report Form

This bug report form will help you to stay on top of every situation by collecting real-time reports about different issues that may arise with your online services.

This form allows your customers to swiftly register their dissatisfaction with your organization’s online services so that you can resolve them in time. 

7. Daily Report Form

Track your worker’s daily productivity using this daily report form template. The Formplus daily report form allows you to assess your worker’s performance at the end of the day, and you can edit it to suit your organization’s needs in the form builder. 

Can’t find your preferred incident report form? learn how to create one below.

How to Create an Incident Report Form on Formplus

1. sign in to formplus.

In the Formplus builder, you can easily create your organization’s incident report form by dragging and dropping preferred fields into your form. To access the Formplus builder, you will need to create an account on Formplus. 

Once you do this, sign in to your account and click on “Create Form ” to begin. 

2. Edit Form Title

Click on the field provided to input your form title, for example, “Incident Report Form”.

3. Edit Form

Click on the edit button to edit the form.

• Edit fields: You can modify your form field to be hidden or read-only based on your organization’s needs. 
• Click on “Save”
• Preview form. 

4. Form Customization

With the form customization options, you can easily change the outlook of your form and make it more unique and personalized. Formplus allows you to change your form theme, add background images and even change the font according to your needs. 

5. Multiple Sharing Options

How to write an incident report letter.

An incident report letter is a formal document that contains all the information with regard to the particular occurrence that is being reported. A good incident report letter effectively outlines the different events surrounding the incident and suggests measures that can be taken to avoid a recurrence in the future.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to write an incident report letter:

Follow the Protocol

Find out if your organization already has a procedure for writing an incident report letter. In many cases, organizations have a template for this type of letter and it is best to follow the provided outline to avoid any inconsistencies. 

Write your Letter as Soon as Possible

Typically, an incident report letter should be sent in, at most, 48 hours after the incident. Writing your letter immediately after the incident would help you to provide vivid and accurate descriptions of the events surrounding the incident. 

Outline the Facts

Usually, an incident report letter follows the 5Ws and 1H format, that is, what, when, where, who, why and how. Typically, it should explicitly state the following:  

• The time and date of the incident
• The location of the incident
• Your name and other bio-data details.
• The name(s) of any other individual(s) involved in the incident.
• Provide a general overview of the occurrence.
• Provide a detailed description of the incident: Write about the incident in the sequence of occurrence, from the first-person point of view. 
• Suggest proactive measures that can be taken to avoid a recurrence of the incident. 

Incident Report Letter Sample

Uses of incident report  .

• An incident report allows you to accurately document the details of any occurrence in your organization. This information may be useful in the future when dealing with liability issues stemming from the incident. 
• It evaluates the incident and provides recommendations on precautionary and reactionary measures to be taken. 
• An incident report serves as an effective feedback mechanism and it raises the overall awareness of your employees and clients. 
• It improves the safety culture of your organization. 
• A near-miss incident report provides invaluable information that enables companies to proactively resolve hazards. 
• Incident reports can also be used as safety documents that highlight potential risks and uncontrolled hazards found in the workplace.

Conclusion  

When drafting an incident report, it is important for you to accurately reflect the different events in the order in which their order of occurrences. You should also take extra care to document facts and not opinions or hearsays because these will affect the validity and usefulness of the report in the end. 

Finally, it is easier to document an incident report using an online form. Online forms are more convenient and you can easily embed them on your organization’s website or share them with your social media pages so that all concerned parties can access them easily. 

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How to write an incident report?

Even with all the safety measures in place, safety incidents can still happen. The big question is: how do you learn from them?

The answer lies in the incident report.

What is an incident report?

An incident report is a written account of a situation that has occurred. It provides a record of events that led up to an accident, as well as its immediate aftermath.

The primary purpose of writing an incident report is to learn from the mistakes and prevent the recurrence of the same kind of incident in future. This is especially important if there are injuries involved, as it will help workers understand how they can avoid similar accidents in the future. It also helps management understand what went wrong and how they can improve their policies or procedures so that workers are safer in the future.

An incident report is necessary when:

• There’s a serious injury to any employee or customer (or a visitor).
• An accident causes major damage to equipment or property.
• An accident caused by someone else’s carelessness or negligence — even if it’s a near-miss .
• Any other situation where you feel that an accident could have caused significant harm or concerns regarding the safety of employees, vendors, customers or any other people in the vicinity.

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What should you include in an incident report.

An incident report is necessary to record anything from a minor mishap to a major accident and should include all relevant information such as who was involved, what happened and when it happened.

A basic incident report should contain answers to the following questions:.

What happened?

Make sure you include all the details, such as who was involved and what was damaged, lost or destroyed.

When & where did it happen?

Your report should contain the date, time and location where the accident took place. If your company uses a system to track such information, try using that same system for your reports.

Who were involved?

Include other people who were present at the time of the incident or accident and what they did at the time of the incident. This will help determine how exactly the incident happened and any other secondary contributing factors.

What did they do?

Detail out what each of those persons was doing just before, during and after the incident. This is an important detail to help you get down to the bottom of the incident and truly understand the root cause.

Why did it happen?

Your report should explain why the accident occurred so that anyone reading it can understand how it happened and what could have been done differently to prevent it from occurring again.

Were there any witnesses?

You’ll need witness statements from the people nearby and any other involved parties to help explain an event or clarify who was involved.

What is the extent of damage to a person or property?

This would include the severity of the incident as well as any person or equipment damaged in the incident and the follow-up treatment.

Step-by-step process to write an incident report

1. Collect the information

The first step is to collect all the relevant information. This includes all the details of the incident, including wh en it occurred, where it took place, what happened and how many people were affected. You should also include any photos or video evidence that could be relevant. You can use checklists or an incident reporting software like Safetymint to help you collect the necessary data.

2. Establish the order of events

Once you have collected all the information about an incident, you need to determine exactly what happened. An effective incident report starts with a summary of what transpired, followed by a description of each event in chronological order. The order of events is crucial because it helps investigators determine whether there is any pattern to the problem and how to fix it.

3. Analyze the root cause

After determining the exact sequence in which the incident occurred, you need to analyze the root cause of this problem to identify ways of preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The analysis can also include a review of previous incidents that were similar in nature and frequency leading up to this particular incident. This will help you understand if there is a common cause for all these events or not.

4. Formulate corrective action

With the root cause of the event clear, you can then discuss to formulate corrective and preventive action (CAPA) to avoid a similar incident in the future. These corrective actions should be based on past experiences and lessons learned rather than just assumptions or guesses.

You can also involve other team members or stakeholders who may know about preventing such events from reoccurring in the future. All of these information will be helpful for the investigative team to understand what went wrong and suggest recommendations

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Best practices to follow when writing an incident report

A good incident report should include as many details as possible about the event. Here are some tips for writing an effective incident report:

Describe what happened in detail

Include all facts related to the incident, such as who was involved, when and where it took place, how many people were involved and what they were doing at the time of the accident.

For example, if someone fell from scaffolding due to faulty equipment or improper use of equipment, provide as much information about what the person was doing, the equipment they were handling and the safety protocols followed/neglected — so that others can learn from it and avoid similar mistakes in the future.

Be objective when describing events

Don’t editorialize or speculate about why something happened — simply state what happened and how it affected you or others involved in the accident.

The most important thing about being objective is not allowing emotion to cloud your judgment. Write down what you saw and heard, not what you thought or felt at the time. Avoid making assumptions and using words like “I think” or “I believe” when describing the events.

Be as thorough and accurate as possible, but avoid going into excessive detail about things like how you felt during the incident or what others said afterwards.

Use simple language

Your goal should be for anyone who reads your report to understand exactly what happened without needing any additional context or background information. So avoid using complex phrases or technical terms unless necessary. Otherwise, stick with simple language and avoid using abbreviations or acronyms unless they are widely accepted within your industry.

Include photos, if possible

If the incident caused physical damage, take photos so they can be included with your report. Photos will help show any damages or injuries resulting from the situation and clarify any questions about what happened during the incident.

How Safetymint can help in reporting incidents

Safetymint is an online incident management system developed to help organizations manage safety incidents, observations and near misses . It improves your safety culture by getting more people involved in reporting incidents and it enables you to gather the right data to make better decisions.

Instant reporting

Safetymint offers a simple & quick process for reporting incidents, which helps ensure that all necessary details are captured and recorded correctly. Employees can report hazards themselves through their mobile phones or computers anywhere and at any time.

No prior training

Safetymint has an intuitive interface that’s direct and simple enough that anyone with a smartphone or access to a computer can quickly report the incidents — without any prior training.

Overall dashboard view

The safety dashboard allows you to track your leading and lagging indicators at one glance to monitor performance and take corrective action wherever necessary. This will help you develop effective solutions for reducing injuries and improving overall workplace health and safety performance.

Custom investigation workflow

Safetymint includes a 5-step incident investigation process which includes the following steps: Incident reporting , Setting up and investigation team, Root cause analysis , Recommended actions and Review and Closure. This process can be used for both internal as well as external investigations.

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What is an incident report?

How to write an incident report, top 5 platforms for creating effective incident reports.

An incident report is a form used to record workplace accidents, injuries, illnesses or near misses. It’s very important to submit an incident report when an incident happens, regardless of whether it caused any injuries to employees. That’s because an incident report helps you uncover the circumstances and conditions that led to the event so you can make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Record the basic facts

Start by recording basic facts related to the incident. These include:

• Type of incident: Illness, injury, theft, near miss or property damage
• Location of incident
• Date and time

Note affected individuals

Collect and record details such as names, job titles, departments and any other useful information about those involved or affected by the incident.

Find witnesses

Collect details of any witnesses of the event and record their statements as detailed and accurate as possible.

Create a narrative description of the incident

Document the sequence of events that led to the incident. It’s important to specify the actions of those involved at the time of the incident. This will help you identify which factors were present before the incident and could be a potential contributing factor to the incident occurring.

Some factors to consider:

• What did the employee do?
• Who trained the employee or who asked them to complete the task?
• How was the employee feeling before the incident?
• For example: Was there a burned-out light bulb? Was a piece of equipment faulty? Was there a blind spot in the area causing the employee poor visibility?
• Was the employee wearing appropriate personal protective equipment?

Note the injuries

If any injuries were incurred, give a detailed description and include parts of the body injured as well as the nature and severity of the injuries.

Record the treatment

Document the type of treatment administered for the acknowledged injuries so you can follow up with the employee’s progress and recovery when reviewing the specifics of the event.

Indicate damages

Record and account for any damage to equipment and materials that were affected by the incident to determine what items will need to be repaired or replaced.

Establish a corrective action plan

Analyze the facts collected and documented in the incident report and determine a corrective action plan. A corrective action plan provides recommendations for preventing the possibility of both an increase in the severity of the incident and the recurrence of the incident.

Below are five well-known and widely utilized incident report software solutions to help you quickly record any incidents as soon as they occur. These incident templates are designed to capture a comprehensive and precise account of the situation, resulting in swift and informed decisions.

SEE: The COVID-19 gender gap: Why women are leaving their jobs and how to get them back to work (free PDF) (TechRepublic)

Jotform is a free platform that lets you create custom online incident reports from your smartphone or tablet. The form is easy to fill out and you can customize it in just a few clicks.

With Jotform, you can gather important digital documents as well as collect files and electronic signatures from clients, coworkers and colleagues. There’s a Form Builder feature that offers a variety of unique form fields designed to get you the data you need. Other features include kiosk mode, geolocation fields and offline data collection.

Smartsheet is a flexible platform designed to match the needs of your team — and adapt as those needs change. The platform offers roll-up reports, dashboards and automated workflows built to keep your team connected and informed.

Smartsheet free templates can be used to report various types of events including accidents, injuries, workplace incidents, property loss or damage, and close calls. The forms allow you to record information and key metrics about all parties involved, details of the incident itself, any law enforcement interaction, witness information and any medical treatment administered.

With Smartsheet you can get real-time visibility and it’s easy to plan, capture, manage and report on work from anywhere, helping your team be more effective and get more done.

1st Reporting

1st Reporting is an all-in-one incident reporting software that empowers your field team with the tools they need to generate actionable reports to identify problem areas in their day-to-day operations. The cloud-based solution allows your in-field teams to log reports in real-time online from any device, which in turn helps get their jobs done quicker and safer.

The solution offers an incident reporting dashboard so all your reports are in one place. You can create customized inspection and incident report forms to capture the data you need from your team in the field.

You also get incident notifications and data insights so you can monitor incidents, respond and take action from your smartphone or desktop.

Delinea, previously known as ThycoticCentrify, is an innovative and intuitive platform that offers a customizable cybersecurity incident report template.

Delinea’s incident response plan templates help keep detailed records of breaches in your organization. Keeping these records can enable your incident response teams to reduce the risk of a breach from becoming a catastrophe and maintain your business continuity.

The templates also come with customization instructions for assembling an incident response team, a checklist of roles and responsibilities and details for actionable steps to measure the extent of a cyber security incident.

monday offers simple yet powerful incident templates that let you easily keep track of your incidents.

monday incident templates offer an agile, responsive, flexible way of recording everything from facts about the process of the incident to sorting or filtering your data. This helps provide greater insight into your incidents and you can easily highlight your most common root causes and the severity of your most common

The forms are highly customizable so you can add action items, reorder based on priority and create a tailored plan to fit your needs.

monday also provides a dashboard where you can assign team members to each action item and monitor your plan’s progress at every stage. You can also receive incident reports and you can also create and share a corrective action plan with your team on the dashboard.

A major benefit of using this template is you can export to Excel with just one click, and you can also import your Excel spreadsheet easily. You can also integrate monday with other existing tools such as Jira, GitLab or BugHerd, and they will automatically update your incident report templates.

Incident reports are a critical component of any company’s incident response plan. They serve as a means for creating a Corrective Action Plan to avoid repeat mistakes. Using the above applications will ensure you always have relevant and thorough incident report templates ready and available to capture details of any incident that may arise.

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How to create an incident report (best practices & templates).

It would be nice if we existed in a wonderful land of sunshine and rainbows, where no one ever got hurt and nothing ever went wrong, but it only takes one look at the news to know that’s not happening any time soon.

Things go wrong. It’s a part of life. Every single day cars crash, printers malfunction, roofs collapse and workplace injuries of all shapes and sizes occur around the globe.

Since incidents do happen, it’s a good idea to be prepared for any situation that may arise. It’s like when it rains—you can’t control the weather, but you can sure carry an umbrella.

Whether you’re battling the weather or workplace safety, being prepared is half the battle. In this blog post we’ll outline how to create an incident report to help ensure your work environment is safe and you're prepared when incidents inevitably occur.

What is an incident report?

An incident report is a form used to record the details of any event that caused or might have caused injury, illness or damage to a person or piece of company property.

Incident report forms usually relate to an accident or injury occurring in the workplace, but can be used for a variety of reasons, from near misses and property damage to health and safety issues, security breaches and workplace misconduct.

They are an essential tool in the investigation that takes place when things go wrong. For example, after the Rebellion destroyed the Death Star at the end of Star Wars: A New Hope , the Empire would have had his hands full with lots of incident reports.

They aim to determine the facts of the event, locate the root cause of the incident and help you figure out corrective actions that could remove potential risks and stop the same type of incident happening in the future.

Incident forms can also be used as preventative reports to highlight any potential hazards found in your workplace and stop incidents before they happen—it’s like that Tom Cruise movie, Minority Report , where they stop crimes before they take place.

The best thing about incident reports is that they’re democratic. Any employee can fill one out whether something has happened to them, they have witnessed something happen to a co-worker, or want to raise awareness about something they think could be hazardous and lead to an incident in the future.

While the idea is simple to get your head around, there are certain things you have to include if you want to write an effective incident report. This way you can ensure the safety, morale and productivity of your employees .

The key elements of a good incident report

There are lots of features that combine to make a well-written incident report. But the first and most important is that you take immediate action. Whether someone stubbed their toe or a more serious workplace incident has taken place, you need to write the report as soon as the event occurs.

By starting straight away you’ll get a more accurate depiction of what happened from any witnesses and victims. Not only that, depending on where you live, there’s a chance you’re legally bound to complete the incident reporting process in a certain period of time.

Once you start, there’s one word to keep in mind: details .

Your main responsibility when writing an incident report is noting down every minute detail you can think of. You know that grandparent you have that takes three hours to recount a story because they’re bogged down in every little thing? That needs to be you.

Here's a quick overview of the kind of details to include:

• The type of incident
• A general description of the incident (written as a sequence of events)
• The date and time of the incident
• The full names and details of any witnesses and/or victims
• Witness statements
• Any medical treatment required
• Photo or video evidence of evidence/damage/wrongdoing

If you’re in doubt whether to add something, the general rule is to just add it. Have you ever seen a crime movie where the detective says, “Geez, I wish we had less evidence”? No. It doesn't exist. You never know what seemingly insignificant thing might come in handy in the future.

Speaking of law enforcement, remember that you’re not there to hunt for suspects or lead a witch hunt. It's not a police report . If someone is at fault you can follow up in the future, but when you’re writing your report it’s your job to get an objective description of the incident . That’s all.

Plus, if you’re throwing accusations around and looking for someone to blame, the chances are your employees won’t want to participate in the investigation or provide honest witness statements.

Concentrate on the facts and try not to get caught up in feelings and opinions. People have a right to be angry or upset when something goes wrong, whether it’s a minor injury or something more serious, but emotions tend to obscure the truth.

An easy way to avoid inaccuracy is by sticking to the essential questions - who, what, when, why, where and how. These will probably ring a bell from your childhood English class. Ask not only the people who were injured or involved, but also any witnesses that happened to be at the location of the incident.

Be sure to include plenty of photos, videos, diagrams and even illustrations as evidence. Smartphones make this easy, so there's no excuse. Take photos of the injury, the damage, the guy standing around sipping his latte—anything and everything.

Visual evidence trumps most other forms of record-keeping because it’s nearly impossible to argue with. People can rescind statements or fight over the details of what happened, so it helps to have things on camera. It’s a safety net for both you and your employees.

The icing on the cake of a good incident report is validation. No, not the kind where someone says you look nice. This is where you get everyone involved in the incident (e.g. victims, witnesses, managers, human resources etc.) to sign off on the report. By doing so they’re validating that, as far as they know, the incident report is completely accurate.

To sum that all up in easy-to-digest dot points, when writing your incident report you should make sure it’s:

• Supported by visual evidence

Why is correct incident reporting so important?

When done correctly incident reports promote, encourage and improve workplace safety. They help your business stand out from the pack by creating a safe working environment and a great culture for your employees to work and flourish in. This happens in a few ways.

Discouraging improper actions

Incident reports encourage or discourage actions when they happen. Let’s say one of your employees on a job site forgot to wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE). By documenting and reporting the details you can figure out what measures need to be taken and how it can be avoided next time.

Through the incident reporting process you highlight the seriousness of what has taken place - even if someone hasn’t been hurt. This acts as a reminder to other employees that safety is serious, and events need to be reported no matter the outcome.

Of course there is also the additional benefit of making sure that correct medical treatment is offered as soon as possible. Having staff aware of incident reporting processes increases the chance of proper first aid being administered immediately.

Hazard awareness

Incident reports also call attention to potential threats, risks and hazards and put them on the radar of all employees within your organization. Doing so allows you to put measures in place to prevent or mitigate danger as much as possible. This makes incident reporting a particularly important tool for high-risk construction, manufacturing and mining industries.

Even offices, where seemingly the biggest ‘danger’ is the local café running out of almond milk, can be full of potential threats like loose cables, faulty machines and equipment, poor employee behaviour and incorrect PPE.

Making sure your incident reporting system is correct helps you understand hazards, put procedures in place to deal with them and teaches employees to spot threats and deal with them as soon as possible.

Improving safety processes

A good incident report shows what your organization needs to focus on fixing. It gives you insights into processes that need to change, improve or be kicked to the curb. Maybe you need to implement new policies and regulations. Maybe you need to train your employees in certain skills, or provide them with better equipment.

Whatever the case, with a proper incident report you’ll be able to assess your needs and adapt your processes depending on what findings you make. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to assess how these changes have contributed positively or negatively to the safety and quality of the workplace.

Types of incidents that need to be reported

As you can imagine there’s a huge array of incidents that should be reported. This includes everything from fatalities and minor injuries to property damage and things that didn't actually happen at all.

If you’re serious about workplace safety (which of course you are) all employees, managers and safety supervisors need to be aware of incidents that have to be reported.

Let’s take a look at a few of the main incident reports that you need to familiarize yourself with.

Injury incident report

No matter what you do, sometimes injuries happen that require on-site treatment or a trip to the hospital. Most of the time things will be sorted with a band-aid from the first aid kit and workers can return to work immediately, but sometimes more serious injuries occur.

Whether it’s a minor injury or something out of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre , it’s vital that you create a comprehensive incident report. If you work in an industry that’s vulnerable to physical injuries of all kinds, like construction, you better get used to filling these in.

When creating an injury incident report, concentrate on a description of the incident, try to include lots of photos and record whether proper PPE gear and protocols were followed.

injury incident report form

Near miss incident report.

Near miss reports are for when someone could have been injured or property could have been damaged, but through pure luck it didn’t happen.

Let’s say someone in the office spills a glass of water and doesn’t clean it up. You slip on the puddle, but manage to catch yourself before falling over. Yes you’ve saved yourself from an embarrassing fall, but you’ve also had a near miss. Time to create an incident report.

These reports are important to mitigate future risks and prevent more serious events from taking place. Make sure to note the time and date of  the incident, details about the hazard and if any other people were involved.

near miss incident report form

Employee misconduct incident report.

An employee misconduct form is something that hopefully you won’t have to deal with. It is a type of incident report reserved for when an employee has violated company policy. This could be anything from sharing private company information on social media to abusing or sexually assaulting a colleague.

As a general rule this form should be filled out and sent to your human resources department . Usually these will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, unless the accusation is serious, then it can be forwarded to law enforcement.

For that reason the report needs to be extra detailed. Include extensive information about the misconduct or allegation, include witness testimony and any supporting evidence like video footage, emails or text messages.

Want to make your own incident report today?

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Accident report

While an incident refers to any event big or small, intended or otherwise, an accident is an event caused by a mistake or plain old bad luck. Accident reports cover events like fires, car accidents, equipment malfunctions and when Karen from accounting spills her smoothie.

Accidents are the most common report you’ll fill out because most people don’t intend to do the wrong thing or hurt themselves. But just because they don’t mean to doesn’t mean there's no value for your business.

Let’s say someone forgets to wear their hardhat on a job site and hits their head. That was an accident - they didn’t mean to forget their hat and certainly didn’t mean to bang their head. But what can this tell you about your processes? Maybe you need to store hats in a more obvious location? Or maybe you need to have the foreman check PPE before work?

Accident incident reports (say that five times fast) are one of the best ways to assess your workplace safety processes and minimize the potential hazards and risks your employees face.

accident report form

Exposure incident report.

A couple of years ago, an exposure incident report was a niche report type used in the scientific and healthcare fields to report exposure to dangerous chemicals and pathogens.

But 2020 was a special year for many reasons and low and behold, thanks to COVID-19, exposure incident reports are now the 'it' thing in the incident reporting world. With countries on lockdown, over a million global deaths and large and small companies being affected around the world, tracking and monitoring instances of Coronavirus exposure is extremely important.

If someone is even suspected of having COVID-19 you should write an exposure incident report straight away. Make sure you mark down any colleagues that came into contact with the person, as well as the exact time, date and location so you can track the spread of the virus.

This ensures you’ll keep your workplace - and the wider world - safe, healthy and coronavirus-free. (COVID-19 is stressful to deal with. If you need any COVID-19 forms, we have a whole collection to help you out ).

first aid report form

Incident report template.

No one wants to sit down and fill out an ugly, boring paper document. The easier your forms are to fill out, the more effective they'll be at capturing information accurately. Paperless is the future. That's where Paperform comes in.

Paperform’s sample incident report template makes it easy to create your own report that's relevant to your field, customized with your brand logo and colors and a breeze for your employees to fill in.

incident report form

If you haven't written an incident report before, the template above is pre-filled with relevant questions to give you an idea of what to ask. You can use different text fields to collect different forms of information - from email addresses and specific dates to long responses and Yes/No buttons to speed up the process.

The Yes/No option seems simple, but it allows what's called conditional logic to make the form magically adapt to the answer it receives. Let's say you include the question, 'Were there any injuries?'

You can set it up so the respondent sees different options depending on how they answer. If they answer 'Yes' the form will add a box for them to describe the injury, as well as an option to upload images as supporting evidence. If they answer no, they'll be able to move on to the next question.

Another feature is the ability to add esignatures to your form . This allows employees filling out the form to fill out the form and verify their statements in the same place without having to go through a third-party app like DocuSign or the rigmarole of printing, signing and re-uploading it.

Once you're happy with your questions you can customize the form to your liking. Add your brand logo, tweak the colors and fonts and set up an automatic email to explain the next steps to respondents. You can then export your incident report to a third-party app like Google Sheets to analyze your data with the click of a button.

Paperform helps make the incident reporting process more dynamic and intuitive for your respondents. Whether you use the above template to get started or start with a blank canvas, Paperform will help save you time, simplify processes and allow you to concentrate on making your workplace as safe as possible.

Why not get started today with our 14-day free trial ? No credit card required.

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How to Send a Report in an Email With 10 Samples From Experts

Roberto Martinez

Last updated November 29, 2023

You’ve spent hours, maybe even days; you did the research, you crafted the report, and you packed it with valuable insights. But when it comes to actually emailing it, there’s that sudden wave of uncertainty. You wonder:

Is it too big to send? 

Should I just send the link? 

Will they even read it if it’s an attachment?  

What if they can’t open it?

Been there!

But how do you send that report via email in a way that ensures it’s opened, read, and acted upon? We can say for a fact that a poorly sent report can go unnoticed or even end up in the dreaded spam folder.

In this article, we will discuss sending reports through email and guide you on how to do it right. Plus, we’ve prepared 10 sample emails for sending reports to help you learn and create your own emails easily. 

Let’s get started. 

Note: Struggling to get replies or book meetings with prospects that fit in your ICP? We’ll help you get 6 SQLs or book 6 meetings with prospects that are ready to buy for only $999/month. Book a 15-minute consultation now .

How to write a report email: key elements to include in a report email and how to format them

A report email delivers a specific set of information, often derived from research or data analysis, to an intended audience through the medium of email. The report email may contain attachments, visuals, or links to more extensive data repositories.

Now, when it comes to writing a report email, you must understand it’s not just about relaying information; it’s about ensuring your hard work receives the attention and action it deserves. Because of this, you need to consider the information you put inside the email and how you format it. 

Let’s discuss the information you need to include in your email for sending reports.

What to include in an email when sending a report

Below are the main elements you should include in the email to ensure your report doesn’t just end up gathering digital dust:

Overview of the report (and why it matters): The email should always start by introducing your report. Clearly state its purpose and significance. For example, “The attached report details our Q3 financial growth and pinpoints areas that contributed to our 20% profit increase.”

Dates, times, and information covered in the report : Provide a timeframe for your report. This helps readers place the data in context. Specify the period the report covers, like “This report covers the performance metrics from January 1 to March 31, 2023.”

A brief detail of the main points (aka précis): A précis is a concise summary of the report’s main points. Offer a brief snapshot that highlights the most critical takeaways, giving readers a quick overview.

Unusual data trends (any problems, irregularities, hurdles, or wins): Identify and explain any unexpected data or trends, whether they are challenges faced or unprecedented successes. This section adds depth and understanding to the data provided.

The next steps: After presenting the information, guide your readers on what should come next. This could be a call to action, recommendations for improvements, or the indication of a follow-up meeting .

Report email format: sending a report in an email

As you probably figured, sending a report via email is a nuanced task that involves more than just attaching a file and hitting “Send”. It requires thoughtful presentation, a structured format, and pointed content to ensure your hard work garners the attention it deserves. 

So now that you’ve got your key components sorted, let’s format them into a cohesive email for sending a report. The process can be broken down into three main sections, as seen with most business emails :

The subject line

The email body

The email ending

Now, let’s discuss how to write each section so that your report email stands out.  

How to write a report email subject line

The subject line is the first thing your recipient sees and determines whether your email gets opened at all. You need to make it concise and informative. That means it should be direct, relevant, and prompt curiosity or urgency to compel the recipient to open. 

Here are some examples of email subject lines you can use when sending a report in an email:

“Q3 financial report & key takeaways”

“Marketing analysis (Jan-Mar 2023): insights & recommendations”

“Monthly health & safety audit results”

“Project alpha: Post-implementation review & findings”

“Client feedback survey results & insights”

How to write a report email body

This is where the magic happens and basically where you include all the key elements we’ve discussed earlier in your email. The tone you use here will depend on the relationship between you and the receiving party. 

But as a general rule, we recommend that you keep your emails in a professional or formal tone . That said, here is how you write the body of a report email. 

Greeting: Always start with a professional greeting , such as “Dear [recipient’s name]” or “Hello team,”.

Introduction: Briefly explain the purpose of the email and the attached report.

Main content: Here, you can include your précis, mention any anomalies or challenges, and provide the report’s key details. Basically, outline the components mentioned in the "What to Include" section. Also, if your report is attached, mention the attachment clearly. 

Call to action or next steps: Clearly state what you expect from the reader or what they should do next.

How to end a report email

Wrap up your email by summarizing the key takeaways and next steps. Finish with a formal sign-off , your name, and any post-script notes if needed. Here are the key elements you need to include in your report email ending:

Thankfulness: Express gratitude for the reader’s time and consideration.

Open for questions: Offer to clarify any points or answer questions related to the report.

Signature: End with a professional signature that includes your name, title, company, and any contact details.

Here is an example: 

“Thank you for taking the time to review these insights. Should you have any questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Best regards,

[your name]

[your signature] P.S. The full report is attached as a PDF.”

10 email samples for sending reports

Report email sample 1: routine monthly report .

A routine monthly report email is a staple in many organizations. It offers a snapshot of the month’s activities, metrics, achievements, and setbacks. Clarity and relevance are the two cornerstones for writing this email well. 

Start by framing the time period you’re referencing. Then, outline the central themes of the report, ensuring that any substantial achievements or challenges are foregrounded. Finally, encourage feedback or questions to foster engagement and discussion.

Here is a sample you can learn from:

Subject line: Monthly operations report - August 2023

Hello team,

I’m pleased to share the operations report for August 2023. You’ll find the report attached to this email. 

Inside, you’ll find a detailed account of our monthly activities, notable accomplishments, and areas of improvement.

Please take a moment to review and let me know if you have any questions or insights.

[your signature]

Report email sample 2: Urgent incident reports 

As you write this report email, your goal is to get immediate attention and action. That’s why the email needs to be direct. 

So, start by clearly stating the incident at the beginning. Let them know what happened and how severe it is. Was personal or financial information leaked? Are you getting phishing attacks? Whatever it is, detail it.

Follow it with a brief detail on its implications and immediate next steps or recommendations. Given the urgency, it’s also essential to set the tone right - ensuring it conveys the gravity of the situation without inciting undue panic. Here is a sample email for this:

Subject line: URGENT: Incident report - System outage

Dear [recipient’s name],

I’m writing to inform you about an unexpected system outage that occurred on 29th August. The attached report provides a detailed analysis of the incident, its impact, and the measures taken to resolve it.

Immediate action is required to prevent recurrence. I urge you to review the report and join the emergency meeting scheduled for tomorrow.

Report email sample 3: Financial annual report 

Financial annual report emails provide a year-long overview of your business’s financial health, challenges, and achievements. So, always start your email by contextualizing the period in review. Highlight any overarching themes or significant financial milestones, and then prompt stakeholders for feedback. Here is an email sample you can emulate here:

Subject line: Financial Annual Report 2023

Dear Stakeholders,

I’m delighted to present the Financial Annual Report for 2023. This report encapsulates our fiscal journey, showcasing our achievements, challenges, and growth trajectories over the past year.

Your insights and feedback are invaluable. After reviewing, please share your thoughts ahead of our annual financial review meeting.

Warm regards,

Report email sample 4: Research findings report 

Research findings report emails convey the culmination of intensive study or investigation. The creativity needed to write this email is to articulate the key discoveries and their implications in a comprehensive yet succinct way. 

Provide a brief about the research’s objective. Next, summarize the key findings and hint at their potential impact. Then, encourage the recipients to delve into the details and consider the implications for the broader organizational strategy. 

Here is a sample email for this:

Subject line: Research findings: customer behavior study 2023

Hello Team,

The research on customer behavior throughout 2023 is complete. The attached report unravels our seminal discoveries, each echoing potential reverberations across our marketing and product development sectors. 

I urge each member to immerse themselves in these findings, for they promise to be instrumental in sculpting our forward trajectory.

I encourage everyone to review these insights as they’ll be foundational for our upcoming marketing initiatives.

Report email sample 5: Project completion report 

A project completion report email signifies the end of a journey. Your report should narrate the challenges surmounted, the goals achieved, and the lessons learned. 

So, for this email, recount the project’s objectives at the outset. Celebrate the milestones achieved and candidly address any hurdles faced. Close by inviting them to provide feedback and emphasize the collective effort that saw the project to its conclusion.

Subject line: Project Delta: Completion Report

I’m excited to announce the successful completion of Project Delta. The attached report provides a comprehensive overview of our journey, outlining our achievements, obstacles overcome, and the final results.

Your feedback is essential for future endeavors. I look forward to your thoughts.

Thank you for your continued support.

Report email sample 6: Feedback or survey report 

When writing an email for such a report, the focus should be on acknowledging the effort behind gathering feedback and highlighting the key insights.

Your email should express gratitude for the participants of the survey or feedback process. Provide a précis of the main content of the report, then conclude by emphasizing the importance of this feedback for future decisions. Here is an example you can learn from:

Subject line: Customer Feedback Report - July 2023

We’ve successfully collated the feedback from our customers in July. The insights we’ve derived from this process are integral to understanding our product’s market performance and pinpointing areas for enhancement. 

I encourage everyone to thoroughly review the attached report and be prepared to integrate these insights into our future strategies.

Best wishes,

Report email sample 7: Initial draft report for review 

Generally, your goal here is to request feedback. So, you want to set clear expectations about the response timeline and the areas requiring specific attention. Here is an example for this: 

Subject line: Initial Draft: Marketing Strategy 2023 for Review

I’m sharing the initial draft of our Marketing Strategy for 2023. Your expertise and feedback will be crucial in refining this document.

Kindly review and share your comments by the end of the week.

Report email sample 8: Confidential or sensitive report 

Confidential reports demand discretion due to the sensitive nature of their content. Your email should state the confidential nature of the report prominently. 

Mention the reasons for the report’s confidential status and the consequences of unauthorized sharing. Reiterate the importance of discretion in handling the report. Here is an example:

Subject line: CONFIDENTIAL: Executive Compensation Report 2023

I’m entrusting you with the Executive Compensation Report for 2023. Due to the proprietary data and personal information contained within, this document has been classified as confidential. 

It is imperative that it remains within our circle and is not disseminated without explicit approval. Your understanding and discretion are paramount and much appreciated.

Report email sample 9: Updated version of a previous report 

Circumstances change, and occasionally, reports need updating. When writing an updated report, clarity regarding the nature and reasons for the updates is essential.

In your email, reference the original report and its date of issuance. Describe the reasons prompting an update, specifying the sections or data points that have been revised. Request a review of the updated sections and encourage feedback. Here is a sample you can use:

Subject line: UPDATED: Sales Forecast Report - Q4 2023

I’m sharing the updated version of our Sales Forecast for Q4. Changes have been made based on the latest market trends and feedback from the sales team.

Please review the revised projections and strategies in this version.

Report email sample 10: Error correction in a previously sent report

Your report email here needs to be clear about the error’s nature, its implications, and the steps taken to rectify it. So, start by acknowledging the oversight openly. Provide information about the corrected data. End by expressing gratitude for understanding and patience.

Here is an email sample for this:

Subject line: CORRECTION: Financial Report - June 2023

We identified an error in our previously sent Financial Report for June. Attached is the corrected version. The discrepancies were found in the profit calculations, and we’ve rectified them in this update.

Apologies for the oversight, and thank you for your understanding.

Key takeaways

Your email subject line is the first thing recipients see, and it heavily influences whether your email is opened. Always shoot for a clear and context-rich subject line. 

The email body should provide the reader with all necessary context and expectations: what the report is about, why it matters, and what actions are expected upon review.

If your report is an updated version or a correction of a previously sent document, be upfront about it. Clearly mention what has changed, why the update or correction was necessary, and how the recipient should approach the new document.

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Incident Notification Email (4 Templates)

Incident Notification Template 1

Incident notification template 2, incident notification template 3, incident notification template 4.

Subject: Incident Notification

Dear Management,

I am writing to bring to your attention a recent incident that occurred. Although I have gathered some information, I will provide a complete update as soon as I have all the details.

Please note that I am currently working to determine the root cause of the incident and will take all necessary steps to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Subject: Urgent Incident Update

Dear Management Team,

I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to bring to your attention a recent incident that took place. I wanted to give you a heads up and let you know that I am currently gathering all the details and will provide a full update as soon as possible.

I understand the importance of having accurate information and I am doing everything I can to obtain it as quickly as I can. Rest assured that I am taking this matter seriously and am working to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

I appreciate your understanding and look forward to providing you with more information soon.

Subject: Incident Report

Hello Management,

I wanted to bring to your attention a recent occurrence that has taken place. I am still in the process of gathering all the details but wanted to give you a brief update in the meantime.

I understand the urgency of having complete information and I am doing my best to get it to you as soon as possible. Please know that I am taking this incident seriously and am committed to finding the root cause and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Thank you for your patience and support. I will be in touch shortly with a full report.

To Whom It May Concern,

This email serves as a notification of a recent incident that has taken place. While I am in the process of gathering all the necessary details, I wanted to bring this matter to your attention as soon as possible.

I assure you that I am taking the necessary steps to determine the root cause of the incident and will implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

I would appreciate your understanding and cooperation as I work to provide a full and complete report.

Thank you, [Your Name]

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Incident Report Letter

Whenever an incident arises in a certain area or district, the local police would usually note that down in their blotter (a logbook that is often used to note the certain accident) and provide the gist of what went down in that certain accident. An incident report provides the parties concerned with a clear outlook on how the incident occurred and what can be done to prevent it from occurring again in the near future. Here is a list of templates that you can use to properly draft an incident report . Keep scrolling!

What is an Incident Report Letter?

An Incident Report Letter is a formal document detailing an event or occurrence, typically used in workplaces or institutions. It outlines the facts, circumstances, and repercussions of an incident, such as accidents, injuries, security breaches, or any noteworthy event. This letter provides a clear account of what transpired, including date, time, location, individuals involved, and a description of the incident. It serves as a record for future reference, investigation, or legal purposes.

Best Example of Incident Report Letter?

[Your Name]

[Your Position]

[Company/Organization Name]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

[Today’s Date]

[Recipient’s Name]

[Recipient’s Position]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

Subject : Incident Report Regarding [Describe Incident Briefly]

I am writing to report an incident that occurred on [Date] at approximately [Time] in [Location]. I was a witness to the event and wanted to provide a detailed account for documentation purposes.

Incident Details:

• Date: [Date]
• Time: [Time]
• Location: [Specific Location]
• Description: [Provide a thorough description of the incident, including what happened, who was involved, and any resulting damages or injuries.]

Actions Taken:

• Immediate Response: [Detail any immediate actions taken to address the situation, such as first aid, contacting authorities, or securing the area.]
• Witnesses: [List any witnesses or individuals present during the incident.]
• Documentation: [Mention any photographs, video recordings, or other documents related to the incident.]

Recommendations:

• Preventive Measures: [Suggest any recommendations or preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.]

Please find attached [if applicable: photographs, additional documentation] for your reference.

I am available to provide further information or clarification if needed. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

[Contact Information]

1. Free Incident Report Letter Example

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2. Free Incident Report Letter in Workplace

3. Security Incident Report Example

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4. Simple Workplace Incident Report Example

Size: 39.9 KB

5. IT Incident Report Example

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6. Restaurant Incident Report Example

Size: 89.8 KB

7. Free Daycare Incident Report Example

Size: 43 KB

 8. Construction Incident Report Example

Size: 41.8 KB

9. Simple Security Incident Report Example

Size: 36.6 KB

10. Free Incident Report Example

Size: 33.4 KB

11. Free Sample Incident Report Letter In Hospital

12. Free Incident Report Letter In Office

13. General Incident Report Example

Size: US, A4

14. Construction Incident Report Example

15. Workplace Incident Report Example

16. Behavior Incident Report Example

17. Sample School Incident Report Example

18. Employee Incident Report Example

Size: 55 KB

Following Protocol

1. obtain the proper forms from your institution.

Each company follows a different procedure on how incident reports should be written. It is best to try and get the proper forms issued from your respective supervisor or officer in-charge. If it does have a specific format, then it is best you analyze as to how it is written.

• If the company you are working for has no specific format on how a general incident report should be written, then it is best if you write your own or learn as to how other people write their incident reports to have a basis.
• Always learn to proofread and double-check with the content of your report. If you would want your incident report to look neat and tidy, you might as well use a computer to encode the necessary data rather than writing it by hand. You may also like police report examples

2. Start the report as soon as possible

Have you ever heard: “Striking the iron while it is hot”? It shares the same philosophy. If you wait a day or two before you start filling up the incident report, Your memory might start getting a little hazy. The best time to draft up an incident report would be an hour or less after it happened while your memory is still fresh. You may also check out service report examples

3. Provide the basic facts

As mentioned before, in the police blotter, the gist of the accident is given which normally involves the 5Ws and 1H: what, when, where, who, why (sometimes) and how. Here are some other details that you might want to include in the incident report:

• The time, date and location of the incident (be specific; write the exact street address, etc.)
• Your name and ID number.
• Names of other members of your organization who were present. You may also see employee report examples & samples

4. Include a line about the general nature of the incident

Explain in detail the events that seemed to transpire before the event, during the event and what happened after the incident. Did something strange catch your eye? Were you able to get a call from a certain someone? Write that down.

• For example, you could write that you were called to a certain address after a person was reported for being drunk and disorderly.
• Note that you should not write what you think might have happened. Stick to the facts, and be objective. You may also like formal report examples & samples

19. General Incident Report Example

Size: 76 KB

Describing What Happened

1. write a first-person narrative telling what happened.

After following protocol as to how you will go about writing your report , it is then time to draft your incident report. Remember to sequence all the events that have transpired in order so that the concerned parties can be able to keep track properly of what happened first to what happened last.

• When identifying the names of the people who were involved in the accident, make sure that their full names are being used and that included with these names are the date of birth, race, gender, and reference a government-issued identification number. Start a new paragraph to describe each person’s actions separately. Make sure that the 5Ws and 1H questions are answered to provide a complete picture of the report. You may also check out  monthly report examples & samples
• For example, when the police officer mentioned above arrives at the residence where he got the call, he could say: “Upon arrival, the officer observed an Asian male, now known as Mao Tze Dong; born on April 5, 1924, with a Beijing Driver’s License 00789142536, screaming and yelling at a local Chinese, Si Ma Guang, in the front lawn of the above location The Forbidden City. The officer separated both parties involved and conducted field interviews. The officer was told by Mr. Mao Tze Dong that he had come home from work and discovered that dinner was not made for him. He then stated that he became upset at his friend Mr. Si Ma Guang for not having the dinner ready for him.” You may also see consulting report examples
• Try to include direct quotes from other significant witnesses and all concerned personnel involved in the incident. For example, in the above scenario, the officer could write “Si Ma Guang said to me ‘Chairman Mao was mad because I didn’t have dinner ready right on time.’”
• If there are gruesome details that you find to be disturbing, it is best if you include that in the general report to show transparency and to understand the gravity of the situation at hand. The picture might not be pretty, but it still has to paint either way. Only by presenting the big picture can they do organization do something about it.

2. Be thorough

It is not only your job to be accurate, but also to be thorough and precise on the reactions that you see. For example, instead of saying “when I arrived, his face was red,” you could say, “when I arrived, he was yelling, out of breath, and his face was red with anger.” The second example is better than the first because many reasons can explain why his face was red at the time. It can be that he was blushing or maybe laughing too hard.

3. Be accurate

As mentioned before, accuracy is very important. If you are positive that you saw a certain action with your own two eyes, then list that down. If it came from an eyewitness, it is best if you indicate in the report for it to be verified by the local authorities. And since it came from a source that is not your own, it is better to classify that as a not proven fact. Check out termination letter examples & samples too.

• Additionally, if you are reporting what the witness told you, you should write down anything that you remember about the witness’s demeanor. If their statements cause controversy later, your report can prove useful. You may also see medical report examples & samples. For example, it would be helpful to know that a witness appeared excited while telling you what happened, or if they seemed very calm and evenhanded.

4. Be clear

Make sure that when you write, it is straight to the point. Do not try to use flowery language to make your report sound pretty. You are not aiming to write a book. Although it is important to keep the report short and simple, it should also be concise and clear with sufficient details so that it will not be confusing later on what you are trying to file in the report.

• Avoid technical or legal terminologies: For example, say “personal vehicle” instead of “P.O.V.” (personally owned vehicle), and “scene of the crime” instead of the typical numbered code that police typically use to notify others of their arrival. You may also like quality report examples
• Use short, to-the-point sentences that emphasize facts and that don’t leave room for interpretation. Instead of writing “I think the suspect wanted to get back at his wife, because he seemed to have ill intentions when he walked up to her and grabbed her,” write “The suspect [insert name] walked over to his wife [name] and forcefully grabbed her by the wrist.”

5. Be honest

Transparency is very critical in writing your report. When you are being honest in your report, it means that you are not hiding something. It means that everything that you have to report is already listed down, giving a full and complete report on what occurred. You may also see report form examples & samples

20. Incident Report Sample Letter Example

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21. Work Incident Report Sample Example

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22. Example Incident Report Writing

23. Incident Report Email Sample Example

Size: 93 KB

24. Basic Incident Report Example

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Polishing the Report

1. double-check the basic facts.

In journalism, you would have already committed a grave sin if you reported something that you have not double-checked what your source has said. Once that article gets published, it may be retracted, but that the responsibility for getting it wrong will fall on you and you alone. It will be like you have lied directly to the public. So, make sure that your facts are right. See  expense report examples & samples as well.

2. Edit and proofread your report

No one likes to read a disorganized and grammatically incorrect report . So, try to proofread and make adjustments to your report.

3. Submit your incident report.

Once you are done with your report, submit it to your designated officer or superior in-charge. Upon submission, the usual procedure will most probably involve a board meeting with all concerned parties before a resolution can be made. Take a look at the  research report examples available online for more.

In an incident report, what you see is truly what you get. That’s why honesty is very crucial in making these kinds of reports so that the present administration of the organization can take action to prevent another incident like that from ever occurring again. You may also see management report examples.

Tips for Writing an Incident Report

• Prompt Reporting: Record details promptly after the incident while the information is fresh and accurate.
• Clarity and Objectivity: Be clear and factual in your descriptions, avoiding assumptions or personal opinions. Stick to the facts.
• Chronological Order: Present the sequence of events in chronological order, detailing what happened before, during, and after the incident.
• Details Matter: Include specifics such as date, time, location, individuals involved, and any witnesses present.
• Describe the Incident: Provide a thorough description of what occurred, including the actions leading up to the incident and its aftermath.
• Use Clear Language: Use simple, understandable language. Avoid jargon or technical terms that might not be universally understood.
• Include Witnesses: Note the names and contact information of any witnesses and their accounts of the incident.
• Document Evidence: Attach any supporting evidence such as photographs, videos, or relevant documents that support your report.
• Immediate Actions Taken: Detail any immediate actions taken to address the situation or mitigate its impact.
• Follow Company Procedures: Adhere to organizational protocols and guidelines for reporting incidents.
• Recommendations: Provide recommendations for preventive measures or improvements to prevent similar incidents in the future.
• Review and Finalize: Review the report for accuracy and completeness before submitting it to the appropriate authorities or management.

How do you write an incident report letter?

Header Information:

• Include your name, position, and contact details.
• Date and address the recipient (e.g., supervisor, HR department).

Introduction:

• Start with a clear and concise description of the incident’s date, time, and location.

Description of the Incident:

• Present a detailed, objective account of the event. Describe what happened before, during, and after the incident.
• Include specific actions, individuals involved, and any resulting injuries or damages.

Immediate Actions Taken:

• Outline any immediate measures or interventions implemented to address the situation.

Witness Statements/Evidence:

• Include statements from witnesses if available. Attach supporting evidence such as photos, videos, or documents.

Recommendations for Prevention:

• Offer suggestions on preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Conclusion:

• Recap the main points and express readiness to provide further information if needed.
• Sign off professionally with your name, position, and contact information.

What are the 4 types of incident reports?

• Employee Incident Reports: Detail incidents involving employees, such as accidents, injuries, or conflicts within the workplace.
• Medical Incident Reports: Document medical-related incidents like patient injuries, medication errors, or medical emergencies in healthcare settings.
• Security Incident Reports: Record security-related incidents, including thefts, vandalism, or breaches of security protocols.
• Property Damage Incident Reports: Describe incidents involving damage to property, whether within a workplace or other settings, such as accidents or vandalism.

What happens when you write an incident report?

• Documentation: The incident is documented in detail, including the date, time, location, individuals involved, and a description of what happened.
• Investigation: The report may prompt an investigation by relevant authorities, supervisors, or designated personnel to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the incident.
• Preventive Measures: Recommendations for preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future might be implemented based on the report’s findings.
• Follow-Up Actions: Depending on the severity and nature of the incident, corrective actions, training, or disciplinary measures may be taken.
• Records and Compliance: The incident report becomes part of official records, ensuring compliance with organizational protocols, legal requirements, or industry regulations.

General FAQs

1. what is an incident report.

In any organization, a hospital, or assisted living, an incident report or accident report is very important. It is a report that is filled out to record details of an unexpected event that occurs at the facility, such as an injury to a patient, unusual work behavior, etc.

2. What is the purpose of using an Incident Report?

The goal of the incident report is to document the exact details of the event while they are fresh in the minds of those who witnessed it. This information may be useful in the future when dealing with such situations again. Organizations can be ready to face these issues without hesitation.

3. Who should write an Incident Report?

If you are a security guard or a police officer who is present at the scene where the incident has occurred, then you must write a detailed and accurate report, since it is an important aspect of your job. It gives a thorough account of what happened without missing crucial facts.

4. What are the 5 elements of a good incident report?

A good incident report includes clear details of what happened, the date/time/location, involved individuals, witnesses, and immediate actions taken, plus preventive recommendations for future incidents.

5. What is considered an incident report?

An incident report is a formal document detailing occurrences like accidents, injuries, security breaches, or noteworthy events, providing a factual account for organizational records and potential investigations.

6. What should you not write in an incident report?

In an incident report, avoid speculation, personal opinions, blaming, assumptions, or subjective details. Stick to facts, clarity, and objectivity for accurate documentation and analysis.

Letter Maker

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write a letter to parents informing them about the upcoming parent-teacher conference at school

Compose a letter to students congratulating them on their achievements in the recent science fair.