First of all, I welcome Greg MacDonald's criticism. I know many others in the profession feel the same way. I also thank SafetyXChange for the opportunity to rebut the criticism and support my use of the word "accident."

I've seen, observed and been part of this discussion on accident/incident/near miss, etc. for some time. And the fact of the matter is that an accident is, by definition, just what I described it as in my article.

The Difference between "Accident" & "Incident" in Everyday Language

Safety is no different from other professions that have their own nomenclature, language or jargon. But the word "accident" in my article is not jargon; it's common, everyday language, referenced by clear dictionary definitions. here's how Merrian-Webster defines "accident":

"ac.ci.dent

Pronunciation: 'ak-se-dent, -"dent; 'aks-dent

1. a: an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance;b: lack of intention or necessity : CHANCE - met by accident rather than by design;
2. a: an unfortunate event resulting especially from carelessness or ignorance;b: an unexpected and medically important bodily event especially when injurious;

   c: an unexpected happening causing loss or injury which is not due to any fault or misconduct on the part of the person injured but for which legal relief may be sought ."

Here's the Webster definition of "incident":

"in.ci.dent

Pronunciation: 'in(t)-se-dent, -"dent

1. something dependent on or subordinate to something else of greater or principal importance;
2. a: an occurrence of an action or situation that is a separate unit of experience : HAPPENING;b: an accompanying minor occurrence or condition;
3. an action likely to lead to grave consequences especially in diplomatic matters - a serious border incident.synonym see OCCURRENCE"

The Difference between "Accident" and "Incident" in Safety Terminology

My use of the word "accident" also happens to be consistent with the terminology of the safety profession. Consider what Ted Ferry said in his book, Modern Accident Investigation and Analysis:

"The term mishap would indicate those unexpected, undesired events, many of which are called accidents, that result in the loss of resources. Accidents are largely defined in the eyes of the beholder, by the organization having the mishap, or by the law. . . The ideal approach is to investigate all undesirable and out-of-the ordinary events that keep us from doing our job efficiently. . . Others might call them near misses, close shaves or minor incidents."

Here is how Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen defines accident and incident as part of the internal safety management system:

• An accident - The HSE defines an accident as "any unplanned event that resulted in injury or ill health of people, or damage or loss to property, plant, materials or the environment or a loss of business opportunity". Example: A window cleaner dropping a bucket from a height, which caused injury to a person underneath, would be classed as an accident.
• A "near-miss" incident - A "near-miss" incident can be defined as, "any event, which under slightly different circumstances, may have resulted in injury or ill health of people, or damage or loss to property, plant, materials or the environment or a loss of business opportunity.
  

  Example: A window cleaner drops a bucket from a height, which just misses a person standing underneath. This would be classified as a "near-miss" incident. This incident did not cause an injury to a person but, under slightly different circumstances it easily might have.

• Other Incidents - Other incidents include threatening behaviour and physical violence.
• Dangerous occurrence - A dangerous occurrence can be defined as, `any incident that has a high potential to cause death or serious injury' and is specified by the Reporting of Incidents, Diseases and Dangerous Ocurrences Regulations 1995."

And there are literally dozens of other examples from the safety profession that time precludes me from citing.

Conclusion

The clear point, then, is that accidents and incidents are not interchangeable terms. They describe completely different events. Those who substitute "incident" for "accident" are thus re-inventing not just everyday language but accepted safety terminology for reasons of expedience. A rose is a rose is a rose. Or, to cite another cliché, let's call a spade a spade.

Words are important. I suggest that we in the safety profession use words as they are, not as we might wish them to be. I also respectfully submit that reinventing language for convenience undermines the credibility of the safety profession and distances the safety professional from the world of reality.

COUNTERPOINT:

The Terminology Needs to Change

Greg MacDonald

I would also like to thank SafetyXChange for a chance to engage in this dialog. I have long admired Wayne Pardy and his contribution to our profession. I also want to note that I am an HSSE director at a corporation - Shell Chemicals America - and not a theorist. I therefore feel rather awkward sharing a platform with Wayne. Nevertheless, Glenn reassures me that my perspective as a "shop room professional" qualifies me to counter Wayne's argument. So I'll give it my best shot.

"Accident" and "Incident" Are Flexible Terms

Wayne, that is a great argument articulating the dictionary and professional differences between "accident" and "incident." You explained the context in which you used the term "accident," for which I am appreciative.

I understand that "accident" is the commonly used term and has been for some time. But I'd also like to point out that the word and indeed the concept of "accident" has a certain elasticity that lends itself to broader interpretation. More precisely, it incorporates elements of randomness and change. Allow me to cite Merrian-Webster to support the point:

"Accident

Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin accident-, accidens nonessential quality, chance, from present participle of accidere to happen, from ad- + cadere to fall - more at CHANCE

1. an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance;
2. lack of intention or necessity : CHANCE ."

How the Term "Accident" Undermines Safety

The point I want to make is that "accident" sounds like what it is, a chance event unforeseen and unplanned. This leads people to believe that accidents are unavoidable and therefore unpreventable sending them down a path of learned helplessness. After all, how many times have you heard someone say, "It was just an accident"?

The passive acceptance that the word "accident" fosters undermines the effort to build safety awareness and promote active safety behaviors. I've seen this from my experience conducting training in organizations at the lowest levels of a safety cultural evolution where managers and workers are so used to using the word "accident" as an excuse to accept the unfortunate chain of events that they don't strive to change things.

Words Evolve

Wayne is right that historically "accident" doesn't mean the exact same thing as "incident." But the great thing about language is that words evolve. Their meanings change over time. Alterations of meaning to fit new needs and circumstances isn't a bad thing; on the contrary, it's what gives language its power.

As safety professionals, we should be prepared not only to embrace but spearhead such changes to meet modern circumstances. Let's not use "accident" simply because of past usage especially when experience has demonstrated the harm of that usage. If changing terminology can enhance safety, by all means let's make the change. To cling to the old ways and usages simply because that's how things were done in the past is to thwart progress.

Greg MacDonald is HSSE Advisor to Shell Chemicals America Inc., in Calgary, Alberta. Before that, Greg served as Manager of Health and Safety in the Alberta offices of ATCO Frontec Corporation, a company that provides site support and facilities management services.

CARE TO JOIN THE DEBATE?

Tell Us What You Think about "Accident" vs. "Incident"

I hope that the spirited debate between Wayne and Greg has offered some fresh perspective on an old debate. Now it's your turn to weigh in. If any of you have opinions on the accident/incident debate, send them to glennd@bongarde.com. Let us know if we can print your name and company. If you don't give an express "okay," we'll withhold your identity.

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