When writing an incident report, using the 5 W’s and 1 H method ensures that all critical information is covered. Here’s how you can apply this method:
Who: Identify the individuals involved in the incident. This includes:
- The person reporting the incident.
- Any victims or affected parties.
- Witnesses who observed the incident.
- The individuals who were responsible for responding to the incident.
What: Describe what happened in detail. This includes:
- The nature of the incident (e.g., theft, accident, security breach).
- Any specific actions that took place.
- Items or property involved.
When: Provide the date and time of the incident. This includes:
- The exact time the incident occurred.
- The duration of the incident (if applicable).
- The time when the incident was reported.
Where: Specify the location of the incident. This includes:
- The exact address or location within a building or facility.
- Any relevant landmarks or specific areas (e.g., parking lot, entrance, specific room).
Why: Explain the reasons behind the incident, if known. This includes:
- Possible motives (for intentional acts).
- Contributing factors or conditions (e.g., weather, equipment malfunction).
How: Describe how the incident unfolded. This includes:
- The sequence of events leading up to, during, and after the incident.
- The method or means by which the incident occurred (e.g., how the security was breached, how the accident happened).
