HSEQ Community

18/01/2026

18/01/2026

Toolbox Talk (TBT)

18/01/2026

Near Miss, Incident, Accident, Hipo, Do We Really Know the Difference?

In safety, words matter. Using the wrong term can make people underestimate risk, and that’s how serious accidents happen.

Incident ✅

In OSHA, NEBOSH, and ISO 45001, incident is the umbrella term for any unplanned work related event. Near misses, accidents, property damage, environmental impact, and even fatalities all fall under it. The outcome defines severity, not the definition.

Near Miss ⚠️

A near miss is an incident with no injury or damage, but has potential for harm. These are early warning signs, report, investigate, and prevent the next accident.

Accident 🚨

An accident is an incident where injury, ill health, or damage actually occurs. Every accident is often preceded by near misses. Investigating them is how we prevent repetition.

Hipo, High Potential Incident 🔥

Some incidents might not cause harm today, but could have been catastrophic. Recognizing and acting on HIPO events is leadership-level safety thinking.

Key takeaway:

Strong safety culture doesn’t just react to accidents, it learns from every incident, no matter how small. Clear language, consistent reporting, and early action are the foundation of prevention.

💡 Next time someone says “it’s just an incident with minor or no damage,” remember, every incident is a warning for prevention of irreversible damage. Treat it seriously.

18/01/2026

Helmet Inspection & Standards (Safety Helmet / Hard Hat)
1. Site Induction Check
Before entering the site, the helmet must be checked for:
❌ No chin strap → Not allowed
❌ Poor quality / damaged helmet → Rejected
❌ Not EN 397 certified → Rejected
👉 Only approved helmets are allowed on site.
2. Accepted Safety Helmet
A helmet is accepted when it has:
✅ EN 397 certification
(European standard for industrial safety helmets)
✅ Mandatory chin strap (properly fastened)
✅ Good condition (no cracks, dents, or damage)
✅ Correct fit on the head
3. Safety Rule (Very Important)
🚫 No Chin Strap = No Entry
This means:
If the chin strap is missing or not worn → entry to site is strictly prohibited
Chin strap prevents helmet from falling during:
Working at height
Wind
Falling objects
Sudden movement
4. Why Helmet Inspection Is Important
Protects head from falling objects
Reduces risk of serious head injury
Ensures legal & company compliance
Saves lives 👷‍♂️
Safety Message
✅ Follow the standards
✅ Wear certified helmets
✅ Protect lives

18/01/2026

HSE Policy VS HSE Plan:

HSE Policy: (Commitment)
Definition:
An HSE Policy is a formal written statement by top management that shows the company’s commitment to health, safety, and environment.

Purpose:
HSE Policy → Purpose: Commitment & direction

Key points:
Prepared and signed by top management
Short and general
Applies to the entire organization
States commitment to:
- Legal compliance
- Accident prevention
- Continuous improvement

Example:
Our company is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace and protecting the environment.

HSE Plan: (Ex*****on)
Definition:
A detailed action plan explaining how the HSE policy will be implemented at a specific site or project.

Purpose:
HSE Plan → Purpose: Implementation & control

Key points:
=> Prepared by HSE team
=> Detailed and site-specific
=> Includes:
- Risk assessment & method statements
- Emergency response plan (ERP)
- Training schedule
- PPE requirements
- Inspection and audit procedures

One-Line Difference:
Policy = What & Why
Plan = How, When & Who

Summary:
An HSE Policy sets the vision and commitment, while an HSE Plan provides the practical steps to achieve safety goals.