Which statement best differentiates a near-miss from an incident?

• A. A near-miss is an unplanned event with potential for harm that did not cause injury.
• B. An incident results in injury or damage.
• C. A near-miss is an unplanned event with potential for harm that did not cause injury; an incident results in injury or damage.
• D. A near-miss is a planned event with no risk.

Answer: (C)

Understanding the distinction between a near-miss and an incident hinges on the outcome and the potential for harm. A near-miss is an unplanned event with potential for harm that did not cause injury. An incident is an event that results in injury or damage. The best statement pairs these ideas, making clear that a near-miss involves risk without injury, while an incident involves actual harm or damage. For example, a tool slips but doesn’t strike anyone—that’s a near-miss. If someone is injured or damage occurs, that’s an incident. The other choices describe only one side or mischaracterize near-misses as planned with no risk, which doesn’t fit how safety events are understood in practice. Recognizing the difference is important because near-miss reporting helps identify hazards before they lead to injury, guiding preventive actions and safer procedures.