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Warehouse Safety Tips | Episode 305 | How To Report An Incident Properly
Episode 30515th October 2025 • Warehouse Safety Tips • Wes Wyatt
00:00:00 00:05:04

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Incident Reporting & Root Cause Analysis: How To Report An Incident Properly

If something goes wrong in your facility — whether it's a near miss, property damage, or an injury - how quickly and clearly you report it can make a massive difference. This process isn't just about paperwork. It's about preventing repeat incidents, protecting your team, and keeping the facility running safely and smoothly.

A strong Safety Culture starts with strong communication. When incidents get reported the right way, everyone wins. The issue gets addressed quickly. Hazards get removed. And most importantly, people stay safe. That's the point.

Here are a few ways to keep your incident reporting process transparent and compelling:

Report it immediately.

If something happens —even if it seems small —report it right away. Don't wait until the end of your shift. Don't assume someone else will say something. Reporting delays can worsen the situation or cause details to be lost. Speak up fast.

Be specific.

Make sure your report answers the question: Who was involved? What exactly happened? When and where did it happen? How did it occur? If it helps, think like a detective. The clearer and complete your report is, the easier it'll be to take the right action.

Document the scene—if it's safe to do so.

If you can safely snap a few photos or jot down notes, do it. This process helps capture what happened before anything gets cleaned up or moved. Visuals can go a long way in understanding the whole picture. Just make sure it's safe before you do anything.

Know the reporting system.

Every facility has its own way of doing things. It could be a paper form or a digital tool. You could notify your supervisor first. Know the process. If you're not sure, ask before something happens—don't wait until you're in the middle of a situation.

Always follow up.

Reporting an incident is step one. But don't stop there. Check to ensure your Safety Coordinator or Maintenance has taken action. Did the hazard get removed? Was the issue corrected? Following up shows you're part of the solution—and it helps prevent future problems.

As always, these are potential tips. Please be sure to follow the rules and regulations of your specific facility.

Proper reporting isn't about getting someone in trouble. It's about learning from what went wrong and making the warehouse a safer place for everyone. One missed report can leave a risk in place. But one accurate, timely report? That could be the reason someone makes it home safely.

And if you're ever unsure whether something should be reported—do it anyway. Overreporting is always safer than silence.

Thank you for being part of another episode of Warehouse Safety Tips.

Until we meet next time—have a great week, and STAY SAFE!

#Safety #SafetyCulture #IncidentReporting #RootCauseAnalysis #FacilitySafety #ReportItRight #SafetyFirst

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