NEBOSH Practice Test

What type of accident is characterized by potential multiple fatalities and significant damage?

1. Minor incidence

2. Routine incident

3. Major accident

4. Negligible occurrence

The correct answer is: Major accident

A major accident is characterized by its potential to result in multiple fatalities and cause significant damage. This classification reflects incidents that go beyond everyday mishaps, involving large-scale emergencies that can have catastrophic impacts on human life, property, and the environment. Such accidents may occur due to a combination of factors including industrial accidents, environmental disasters, or major transportation incidents. In the context of safety management and risk assessment, recognizing an incident as a major accident prompts more intense scrutiny and response coordination, requiring comprehensive planning, sharing of resources, and potentially national or international assistance. This contrasts sharply with other types of incidents, which typically involve less severe consequences and do not necessitate such extensive measures for response and recovery. Minor incidences or negligible occurrences typically result in little, if any, harm and are often managed with standard operational safety procedures. Routine incidents are predictable events that are generally well-handled within normal operating procedures. Therefore, when evaluating accidents in terms of severity and potential impact, a major accident stands out as a critical and urgent situation that demands immediate attention and comprehensive response strategies.