Which of the following best defines an incident?

An incident is best defined as an unplanned event that has the potential to cause injuries or property damage. This definition underscores the unexpected nature of incidents, distinguishing them from planned events or scheduled tasks.

In many operational contexts, such as utilities or safety management, incidents can disrupt normal operations, lead to safety hazards, and require immediate attention and response to mitigate negative outcomes. Recognizing an incident in this way is vital for effective incident management and response protocols, allowing organizations to assess risks, enhance safety measures, and minimize disruptions.

Planned events, programmed maintenance tasks, or scheduled training exercises, while important for operational efficacy, do not meet the criteria of being unplanned or potentially harmful. These structured activities are designed to improve efficiency or skill, making them fundamentally different from incidents, which are characterized by their unexpected and often detrimental nature.