When should incident reporting take place?

Incident reporting should occur immediately after an incident takes place to ensure that accurate and detailed information is captured while it is still fresh in the minds of those involved. Prompt reporting aids in assessing the situation effectively, understanding the causes, and implementing corrective actions quickly to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Timely reporting also allows organizations to fulfill legal and regulatory obligations and supports a culture of safety by encouraging accountability and transparency. With immediate reporting, there is a better chance of collecting evidence and witness statements, which can be crucial for investigation and learning.