Near Misses

Overview – Near Miss

Although we may have heard the phrase “near miss” many times, it is of critical importance to understand exactly what it means. A near miss is an unplanned event that could have resulted in an injury, illness, or property damage, but thankfully did not – either by chance or timely intervention.

Significance of a Near Miss

Near misses are valuable indicators of potential hazards in the workplace, highlighting unsafe conditions, unsafe behaviors, or deficiencies in safety protocols. They provide us with an opportunity to learn and prevent actual incidents from happening in the future.

Near Miss Examples

• Tripping over an object left in a walkway but catching yourself before falling.
• A tool falling from a height but landing in an unoccupied area.
• A piece of equipment malfunctioning but being stopped before causing an injury.
• Almost making contact with a moving vehicle or piece of machinery.
• Noticing a potential fire hazard before it ignites.
• Minor incidents and injuries that had potential to be more serious.
• Unsafe behavior such as a worker modifying personal protective equipment for comfort.

Reporting Near Miss Incidents

Reporting near miss incidents can result in the following:

• Prevention: Reporting helps us identify hazards and take corrective actions before someone gets hurt.
• Learning: Each near miss provides valuable information about potential risks in our work environment.
• Improvement: By analyzing near misses, we can improve procedures, enhance training, and address unsafe conditions.
• Culture of Safety: Creating an environment where employees feel safe reporting near misses without retaliation is essential in maintaining workplace safety.

What To Do if You Experience or Witness a Near Miss

• Stop and assess: Make sure the immediate area is safe.
• Report immediately: Tell your supervisor or designated safety person as soon as possible.
• Be specific: Provide as much detail as you can – where, when, contributing factors.
• Suggest Solutions: If you have ideas on how to prevent a similar incident, share them.

Remember, There are no penalties for reporting a near miss. It is one of the most proactive things we can do to ensure we all go home safe at the end of the day!