Free Toolbox Talk
Near Miss Toolbox Talk: Examples & Reporting
We’ve all heard the phrase “near miss,” but it’s important to understand exactly what it means and why it matters. Use this near miss toolbox talk at your next safety meeting to help your crew recognize near misses and report them.
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What Is a Near Miss?
A near miss is an unplanned event that could have resulted in an injury, illness, or property damage, but didn’t, either by chance or because someone stepped in at the right time.
Why Near Misses Matter
Near misses are warning signs. They point to unsafe conditions, unsafe behaviors, or gaps in safety procedures. Every near miss is a free lesson: a chance to fix a problem before the next time ends in an injury.
Near Miss Examples
Tripping over an object left in a walkway, but catching yourself before falling
A tool falling from height and landing in an empty area
A piece of equipment malfunctioning but being stopped before anyone is hurt
Almost being struck by a moving vehicle or piece of machinery
Spotting a fire hazard before it ignites
A minor incident or injury that could easily have been much worse
Unsafe behavior, such as a worker modifying PPE for comfort
Why Near Miss Reporting Matters
Prevention
Reporting identifies hazards so they can be corrected before someone gets hurt.
Learning
Every near miss gives the team information about real risks on the job.
Improvement
Reviewing near misses improves procedures and training and fixes unsafe conditions.
Safety culture
When people can report without fear of blame, everyone is safer.
What to Do If You See or Experience a Near Miss
Stop and assess
Make sure the area is safe.
Report it right away
Tell your supervisor or safety person as soon as possible.
Be specific
Where, when, what happened, and what contributed.
Suggest a fix
If you have an idea to prevent it from happening again, share it.
There are no penalties for reporting a near miss. It’s one of the most proactive things we can do to make sure everyone goes home safe at the end of the day.
Discussion Questions for Your Crew
End your near miss toolbox talk with these questions:
- What near misses have you seen on this jobsite or a past job?
- What stops people from reporting near misses, and how can we fix that?
- What’s one hazard on our site right now that could cause a near miss today?
Is a near miss the same as an incident?
A near miss is a type of incident where no one was hurt and nothing was damaged. Treat it with the same seriousness, because the causes are often the same as those behind injuries.
Should near misses be investigated?
Yes. A short investigation of a near miss can uncover the root cause cheaply. Learn about our accident and incident investigations, and use the forms in Safety Report Templates.
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