What information should be included in an incident report?

• A. Date/time, location, people involved, sequence of events, observations, actions taken, witnesses, evidence.
• B. Only date/time.
• C. Personal opinions about the subject.
• D. Equipment inventory.

Answer: (A)

An incident report should capture what happened in a clear, objective, and complete way so others can understand, verify, and take appropriate follow‑up. Including the date and time anchors the event in a timeline, while the location situates where it occurred. Identifying who was involved or affected records roles and accountability. Laying out the sequence of events provides the order in which things happened, which is essential for understanding cause and response. Observations note the facts as they appeared or were measured, beyond what actions were taken. What actions were taken documents the immediate response and containment or remediation efforts. Noting witnesses gives corroboration and additional perspectives, and including evidence—such as photos, logs, or physical items—supports the facts and maintains a chain of custody. Together, these elements create a reliable record that supports investigation, accountability, insurance or regulatory requirements, and steps to prevent recurrence. Listing only a date/time misses context; personal opinions contaminate objectivity; and an equipment inventory alone doesn’t tell the incident story.