Episode 24 - Incident Reports: Getting the Details Right
Episode 24 - Incident Reports: Getting the Details Right
Hey Store Manager! Mike back with you on "Smoke Break." Today we're talking about something that might seem boring but can save your store from major headaches - proper incident reporting. Trust me, good paperwork is like insurance when things go wrong.
Remember that saying, "The devil's in the details"? Nowhere is that more true than in incident reporting. Let's make sure you know exactly what to document and how to do it right.
First things first - an incident report isn't just about accidents. It covers any unusual event in your store: customer injuries, employee accidents, theft, property damage, even near-misses. If something happens that could affect safety or security, it needs documentation.
Start with the basics: who, what, when, where, and how. Names of everyone involved, exactly what happened, time and date, specific location, and how it occurred. But here's what many managers miss - the why. Understanding why something happened helps prevent it from happening again.
Witness statements matter more than you might think. Get them while memories are fresh. Have witnesses write their own accounts - don't summarize for them. Each person might notice different details that turn out to be important later.
Pictures tell stories words can't. Take photos from multiple angles. Show the whole scene, then get close-ups of specific areas. Include photos of any equipment involved. If there's relevant video footage, save it immediately.
Question: Why is it important to document "near-miss" incidents that didn't actually result in injury or damage?
Think about it. The answer? Near-misses are warnings. They show where accidents could happen, giving you a chance to fix problems before someone gets hurt. Plus, OSHA often wants to know about them.
Your action item for this week: Create an incident reporting kit. Include blank report forms, a digital camera or phone with camera, witness statement forms, and a checklist of what to document. Keep it somewhere easily accessible.
Before you go, hit that subscribe button for more "Smoke Break" episodes. Share these tips with other managers - good documentation protects everyone.
For more resources on running a safe and compliant store, visit cstorethrive.com.
That's all for today, Store Manager. Next time, we'll cover OSHA inspections and how to prepare for them. Until then, keep those reports detailed and your documentation solid!
