Template for an incident report
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When something happens on your shift, the report is your professional imprint. A good report is precise, factual, and free of guessing. Use this template as a framework.
§The fixed information
- 01Date, time and place of the incident.
- 02Your name and function as well as company/site.
- 03Who and what was involved.
§The description
Describe the event in chronological order and only what you saw, heard or did yourself. Keep facts and your own assessments separate so the reader can see the difference.
§Action and follow-up
- 01What you did, and when.
- 02Who you contacted (colleagues, manager, police, emergency services).
- 03What happened afterward, and whether anything requires follow-up
A report written while the details are fresh is far more valuable than one written the next day. Note key points as you go if you can.