What is the term for an unplanned event that results in injury or damage?

The term that accurately describes an unplanned event resulting in injury or damage is "mishap." This term is commonly used in safety and emergency response contexts to refer to incidents that are unintended and can lead to negative outcomes such as injuries or property damage. A mishap suggests an occurrence that could have been prevented or mitigated with proper planning and precautions but happened nevertheless, highlighting the importance of safety measures and emergency response protocols.

Understanding the specific terminology in the context of hazardous waste operations and emergency scenarios is crucial as it helps in developing appropriate safety measures, conducting effective training, and fostering a culture of safety awareness among personnel. Recognizing a mishap allows for proper investigation and analysis of the factors that led to the incident, encouraging improvements in procedures to prevent future occurrences.