What is the reason employees are advised against making statements about accidents?

Employees are advised against making statements about accidents primarily to prevent unofficial statements from being considered official. When employees speak on the matter, especially in a public or media context, their comments may be interpreted as the company's position or may create confusion about the incident. Official statements are typically issued by authorized personnel who have the appropriate training and knowledge to communicate the facts accurately, ensuring that the information is consistent, clear, and legally compliant. This helps to protect the organization from potential miscommunication that could arise from informal remarks made by staff members who may not have the full context or understanding of the situation.

While factors such as minimizing liability, maintaining operational security, and avoiding panic can also be relevant considerations, they do not directly address the primary concern of ensuring that statements made about the incident are official and properly vetted. This distinction is essential in maintaining clarity and accountability after an accident.