What is one of the main purposes of incident reporting in biosafety?

One of the main purposes of incident reporting in biosafety is to document and analyze accidents and near-misses to improve safety protocols. This is crucial because meticulous record-keeping allows organizations to identify patterns, understand the root causes of incidents, and implement strategies to prevent future occurrences. By analyzing reported incidents, biosafety professionals can enhance training, refine safety procedures, and ensure a safer working environment. This continuous feedback loop is vital for maintaining high safety standards in laboratories and other settings where hazardous materials are handled. Such proactive measures ultimately protect staff, the environment, and public health.