{"id":23143,"date":"2025-11-05T09:04:25","date_gmt":"2025-11-04T20:04:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/siteconnect.io\/?p=23143"},"modified":"2025-12-09T10:28:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T21:28:15","slug":"hazard-observation-or-incident-a-practical-guide-for-smes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/siteconnect.io\/gb\/blog\/hazard-observation-or-incident-a-practical-guide-for-smes\/","title":{"rendered":"Hazard, Observation or Incident? A practical guide for SMEs"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]\r\n<h3 data-start=\"428\" data-end=\"493\"><strong data-start=\"432\" data-end=\"493\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-23156 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.siteconnect.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/05093958\/hazard-observation-or-incident-a-practical-guide-for-smes.png\" alt=\"Banner for the blog &quot;Hazard, Observation or Incident? A practical guide for SMEs&quot;\" width=\"667\" height=\"375\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.siteconnect.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/05093958\/hazard-observation-or-incident-a-practical-guide-for-smes.png 667w, https:\/\/cdn.siteconnect.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/05093958\/hazard-observation-or-incident-a-practical-guide-for-smes-300x169.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px\" \/><\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"698\" data-end=\"1050\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clear definitions stop confusion at the start of every investigation. This article explains the difference, when to use each report and how categorising correctly improves response, compliance and trend analysis.<br \/><\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"706\" data-end=\"753\"><strong data-start=\"710\" data-end=\"753\">Definitions and Quick Rules of Thumb<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"755\" data-end=\"897\">It\u2019s easy to mix up hazard, observation, and incident (especially when things happen fast on site). Here\u2019s a simple way to remember:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"899\" data-end=\"1232\">\r\n<li data-start=\"899\" data-end=\"999\">\r\n<p data-start=\"901\" data-end=\"999\"><strong data-start=\"901\" data-end=\"912\">Hazard:<\/strong> Something that <em data-start=\"928\" data-end=\"935\">could<\/em> cause harm.<br data-start=\"947\" data-end=\"950\" \/><em data-start=\"952\" data-end=\"968\">One-liner cue:<\/em> \u201cIt hasn\u2019t hurt anyone yet.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"1000\" data-end=\"1128\">\r\n<p data-start=\"1002\" data-end=\"1128\"><strong data-start=\"1002\" data-end=\"1025\">Safety Observation:<\/strong> A positive or negative behaviour that affects safety.<br data-start=\"1079\" data-end=\"1082\" \/><em data-start=\"1084\" data-end=\"1090\">Cue:<\/em> \u201cI\u2019ve seen something worth noting.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"1129\" data-end=\"1232\">\r\n<p data-start=\"1131\" data-end=\"1232\"><strong data-start=\"1131\" data-end=\"1144\">Incident:<\/strong> Something that <em data-start=\"1160\" data-end=\"1165\">has<\/em> caused harm, damage or loss.<br data-start=\"1194\" data-end=\"1197\" \/><em data-start=\"1199\" data-end=\"1205\">Cue:<\/em> \u201cIt\u2019s already happened.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"1234\" data-end=\"1328\">Clear definitions keep your team on the same page and help your safety data stay meaningful.<\/p>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"1335\" data-end=\"1367\"><strong data-start=\"1339\" data-end=\"1367\">When to Use Each Form<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"1369\" data-end=\"1411\">Let\u2019s look at a few real-world examples:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1767\">\r\n<li data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1491\">\r\n<p data-start=\"1415\" data-end=\"1491\"><strong data-start=\"1415\" data-end=\"1436\">Uncovered trench:<\/strong> Hazard &#8211; it could injure someone if left unattended.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"1492\" data-end=\"1572\">\r\n<p data-start=\"1494\" data-end=\"1572\"><strong data-start=\"1494\" data-end=\"1519\">Incorrect ladder use:<\/strong> Safety observation &#8211; note and coach safe practice.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"1573\" data-end=\"1646\">\r\n<p data-start=\"1575\" data-end=\"1646\"><strong data-start=\"1575\" data-end=\"1596\">Fall from height:<\/strong> Incident &#8211; injury occurred, report immediately.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"1647\" data-end=\"1767\">\r\n<p data-start=\"1649\" data-end=\"1767\"><strong data-start=\"1649\" data-end=\"1677\">Water leak causing slip:<\/strong> If no one was hurt, it\u2019s a <strong data-start=\"1705\" data-end=\"1718\">near-miss<\/strong>; if someone was injured, it\u2019s an <strong data-start=\"1752\" data-end=\"1764\">incident<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"1769\" data-end=\"1895\">Categorising correctly ensures the right level of follow-up and helps you identify recurring problems across multiple sites.<\/p>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"1902\" data-end=\"1945\"><strong data-start=\"1906\" data-end=\"1945\">Who Reports and Who Investigates<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"1947\" data-end=\"2196\">Frontline staff should be able to <strong data-start=\"1981\" data-end=\"2001\">report instantly<\/strong> &#8211; ideally through a <strong data-start=\"2022\" data-end=\"2036\">mobile app<\/strong> that allows photos and quick notes. The <strong data-start=\"2077\" data-end=\"2105\">site or property manager<\/strong> (or whoever owns the work area) then takes the lead on reviewing and closing the record.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"2198\" data-end=\"2379\">When reporting feels easy and blame-free, participation soars. SiteConnect\u2019s one-tap reporting and automatic notifications make this process straightforward for everyone involved.<\/p>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"2386\" data-end=\"2419\"><strong data-start=\"2390\" data-end=\"2419\">Information to Capture<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"2421\" data-end=\"2466\">Every report should include the <strong data-start=\"2453\" data-end=\"2463\">basics<\/strong>:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"2467\" data-end=\"2699\">\r\n<li data-start=\"2467\" data-end=\"2519\">\r\n<p data-start=\"2469\" data-end=\"2519\">Date, time, and exact location (GPS or site tag)<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"2520\" data-end=\"2570\">\r\n<p data-start=\"2522\" data-end=\"2570\">Short description of what happened or was seen<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"2571\" data-end=\"2606\">\r\n<p data-start=\"2573\" data-end=\"2606\">Photos or videos where possible<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"2607\" data-end=\"2656\">\r\n<p data-start=\"2609\" data-end=\"2656\">Immediate controls or temporary fixes applied<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"2657\" data-end=\"2699\">\r\n<p data-start=\"2659\" data-end=\"2699\">Names of witnesses or involved workers<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"2701\" data-end=\"2812\">This data feeds directly into your dashboards and helps you track patterns across time, teams, and locations.<\/p>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"2819\" data-end=\"2867\"><strong data-start=\"2823\" data-end=\"2867\">Reporting Workflows That Work On Site<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"2869\" data-end=\"2968\">A good workflow balances <strong data-start=\"2894\" data-end=\"2917\">speed and structure<\/strong>. For most SMEs, the ideal setup looks like this:<\/p>\r\n<ol data-start=\"2970\" data-end=\"3214\">\r\n<li data-start=\"2970\" data-end=\"3100\">\r\n<p data-start=\"2973\" data-end=\"3100\"><strong data-start=\"2973\" data-end=\"3009\">On-site reporting via mobile app<\/strong> &#8211; take a photo, select hazard\/incident type, and auto-tag the location using geofencing.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"3101\" data-end=\"3214\">\r\n<p data-start=\"3104\" data-end=\"3214\"><strong data-start=\"3104\" data-end=\"3132\">Desktop or tablet review<\/strong> &#8211; managers log in to add investigation notes, corrective actions, and sign-off.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p data-start=\"3216\" data-end=\"3422\">This system ensures real-time visibility without slowing down operations. If you\u2019re using SiteConnect, this flow happens automatically through the <strong data-start=\"3363\" data-end=\"3374\">Hazards<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"3376\" data-end=\"3392\">Observations<\/strong>, and <strong data-start=\"3398\" data-end=\"3411\">Incidents<\/strong> modules.<\/p>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"3429\" data-end=\"3477\"><strong data-start=\"3433\" data-end=\"3477\">The Regulatory Framing (NZ \/ UK \/ AU)<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"3479\" data-end=\"3535\">Across all jurisdictions, the principle is consistent:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"3536\" data-end=\"3791\">\r\n<li data-start=\"3536\" data-end=\"3677\">\r\n<p data-start=\"3538\" data-end=\"3677\"><strong data-start=\"3538\" data-end=\"3551\">Incidents<\/strong> that cause serious harm or notifiable injuries must be <strong data-start=\"3607\" data-end=\"3636\">reported to the regulator<\/strong> (in New Zealand, that\u2019s <strong data-start=\"3661\" data-end=\"3673\">WorkSafe<\/strong>).<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"3678\" data-end=\"3791\">\r\n<p data-start=\"3680\" data-end=\"3791\"><strong data-start=\"3680\" data-end=\"3691\">Hazards<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"3696\" data-end=\"3711\">near-misses<\/strong> must be <strong data-start=\"3720\" data-end=\"3747\">recorded and controlled<\/strong>, but not necessarily notified externally.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"3793\" data-end=\"3916\">Keeping internal records for all categories helps prove due diligence if an inspector or insurer requests evidence later.<\/p>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"3923\" data-end=\"3965\"><strong data-start=\"3927\" data-end=\"3965\">Impact on Metrics and Insurance<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"3967\" data-end=\"4066\">Mis-labelling reports can distort your safety metrics and create false confidence.<br data-start=\"4049\" data-end=\"4052\" \/>For example:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"4067\" data-end=\"4232\">\r\n<li data-start=\"4067\" data-end=\"4146\">\r\n<p data-start=\"4069\" data-end=\"4146\">Reporting everything as a \u201cnear-miss\u201d hides the number of actual incidents.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"4147\" data-end=\"4232\">\r\n<p data-start=\"4149\" data-end=\"4232\">Failing to log hazards means your incident rate looks low, but risks remain high.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"4234\" data-end=\"4358\">Accurate classification gives you reliable data for <strong data-start=\"4286\" data-end=\"4304\">trend analysis<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"4306\" data-end=\"4329\">insurance reporting<\/strong>, and <strong data-start=\"4335\" data-end=\"4355\">board-level KPIs<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"4365\" data-end=\"4400\"><strong data-start=\"4369\" data-end=\"4400\">Templates and Checklists<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"4402\" data-end=\"4538\">Standardised templates make consistency easy. A <strong data-start=\"4450\" data-end=\"4489\">one-page classification cheat sheet<\/strong> helps staff decide on the spot what to select.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"4540\" data-end=\"4572\">Your checklist should include:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"4573\" data-end=\"4681\">\r\n<li data-start=\"4573\" data-end=\"4597\">\r\n<p data-start=\"4575\" data-end=\"4597\">Category definitions<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"4598\" data-end=\"4637\">\r\n<p data-start=\"4600\" data-end=\"4637\">Step-by-step reporting instructions<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"4638\" data-end=\"4659\">\r\n<p data-start=\"4640\" data-end=\"4659\">Key contact roles<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"4660\" data-end=\"4681\">\r\n<p data-start=\"4662\" data-end=\"4681\">Example scenarios<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"4683\" data-end=\"4796\"><em data-start=\"4683\" data-end=\"4794\">(Download the free SiteConnect <a href=\"https:\/\/siteconnect.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Hazard-Observation-or-Incident-Quick-Classification-Guide.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cHazard, Observation, or Incident?\u201d quick classification guide<\/a> to get started.)<\/em><\/p>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"4803\" data-end=\"4844\"><strong data-start=\"4807\" data-end=\"4844\">Behavioural Barriers and Fixes<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"4846\" data-end=\"4945\">Even the best system fails if people don\u2019t use it. The most common barriers to reporting include:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"4946\" data-end=\"5054\">\r\n<li data-start=\"4946\" data-end=\"4984\">\r\n<p data-start=\"4948\" data-end=\"4984\"><strong data-start=\"4948\" data-end=\"4982\">Fear of blame or repercussions<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"4985\" data-end=\"5014\">\r\n<p data-start=\"4987\" data-end=\"5014\"><strong data-start=\"4987\" data-end=\"5012\">Time pressure on site<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"5015\" data-end=\"5054\">\r\n<p data-start=\"5017\" data-end=\"5054\"><strong data-start=\"5017\" data-end=\"5052\">Overly complex or lengthy forms<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"5056\" data-end=\"5212\">The fix? Make it <strong data-start=\"5073\" data-end=\"5101\">easy, fast, and positive<\/strong>. Recognise good reporting behaviour, simplify forms and make sure supervisors close the loop with feedback.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"5214\" data-end=\"5307\">A strong reporting culture builds trust &#8211; and that\u2019s what ultimately drives safer outcomes.<\/p>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"5314\" data-end=\"5351\"><strong data-start=\"5318\" data-end=\"5351\">The SiteConnect Advantage<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"5353\" data-end=\"5382\">With SiteConnect, SMEs can:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"5383\" data-end=\"5649\">\r\n<li data-start=\"5383\" data-end=\"5461\">\r\n<p data-start=\"5385\" data-end=\"5461\">Capture hazards, observations, and incidents <strong data-start=\"5430\" data-end=\"5443\">instantly<\/strong> from any device<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"5462\" data-end=\"5523\">\r\n<p data-start=\"5464\" data-end=\"5523\">Attach photos, notes, and corrective actions in one place<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"5524\" data-end=\"5576\">\r\n<p data-start=\"5526\" data-end=\"5576\">Automatically link follow-ups and investigations<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"5577\" data-end=\"5649\">\r\n<p data-start=\"5579\" data-end=\"5649\">Generate real-time analytics to track leading and lagging indicators<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"5651\" data-end=\"5811\">Out-of-the-box templates and automated workflows make classification simple and standardised, helping your business stay compliant and focused on prevention.<\/p>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"5818\" data-end=\"5836\"><strong data-start=\"5822\" data-end=\"5836\">In Summary<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"5838\" data-end=\"6117\">Understanding the difference between a hazard, a safety observation, and an incident isn\u2019t just a paperwork exercise &#8211; it\u2019s the foundation of effective safety management. When your team knows what to report and when, you get cleaner data, faster responses, and fewer surprises.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"6119\" data-end=\"6190\">And with the right digital tools, that process becomes second nature.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; sticky_content=&#8221;true&#8221; sticky_content_functionality=&#8221;js&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; offset=&#8221;vc_hidden-xs&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">Book a demo<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html css=&#8221;&#8221;]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[\/vc_raw_html][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;] Clear definitions stop confusion at the&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":23147,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_eb_attr":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[106],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-23143","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-guides"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Hazard, Observation or Incident? A practical guide for SMEs<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn the difference between a hazard, observation and incident. A practical guide for SMEs in construction, trades and property.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/siteconnect.io\/blog\/hazard-observation-or-incident-a-practical-guide-for-smes\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Hazard, Observation or Incident? A practical guide for SMEs\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn the difference between a hazard, observation and incident. 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