What principle does the accident triangle primarily illustrate?

The accident triangle primarily illustrates the frequency of minor incidents in relation to serious incidents. The concept is grounded in the premise that for every major accident that occurs, there are many more minor incidents and near misses that precede it. The triangle visualizes this relationship, showing that while serious accidents are less frequent, they tend to be the result of a larger base of less severe incidents. Understanding this principle is crucial for improving safety measures; it encourages organizations to focus not only on preventing severe accidents but also on addressing and learning from minor incidents to mitigate the risk of more serious occurrences in the future.

By recognizing the higher volume of minor incidents, safety programs can be adjusted to target training and prevention strategies effectively, demonstrating why addressing these smaller incidents is a key aspect of overall safety management.