How to document an incident
PURPOSE
Incident documentation helps with follow-up, prevention, insurance, compliance, and corrective action.
WHAT TO INCLUDE
Date, time, location, people involved, witnesses, description of what happened, injuries or damage, photos if safe, and immediate actions taken.
STICK TO FACTS
Write what was observed, not assumptions or blame.
TIMING
Document as soon as practical while details are fresh.
BEST PRACTICE
Clear documentation helps prevent the same incident from happening again.