What should be the tone of an MA incident report?

• A. Personal views and conclusions
• B. Highly technical jargon only
• C. Factual and objective
• D. Marketing language to describe events

Answer: (C)

Presenting facts in a neutral, objective way is essential. MA incident reports are official records used for investigations, accountability, and corrective action, so the language must be precise and free of personal opinions or biased phrasing. Stick to observable facts and verifiable data: what happened, where it occurred, when it happened, who was involved or affected, what actions were taken, and what the outcomes were. If you don’t know something, state that it’s not determined rather than guessing. Use clear, concise sentences and reference the evidence supporting each statement (witness statements, CCTV footage, logs, measurements). Describe the sequence of events in order, note any injuries or property or equipment damage, and note immediate follow-up actions or recommendations. Keeping the tone neutral and evidence-based ensures the report is reliable, professional, and useful for others reviewing the incident.