What is a Near Miss and Why It’s Important to Report Them
The Problem
Every day on site, potential hazards and risky situations can occur. A near miss is an incident where no one was injured and no property was damaged, but the event could have led to serious consequences under slightly different circumstances. Near misses are often overlooked, yet they serve as important warning signs. Today, we’ll discuss what defines a near miss, why it’s essential to report them, and how doing so can help prevent future incidents.
Identify the Hazards
- Increased Risk of Accidents: Unreported near misses often precede more serious incidents
- Missed Learning Opportunities: Key safety improvements may be overlooked if near misses are not reported
- Loss of Awareness: Workers may underestimate risks, leading to complacency over time
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Near misses highlight problem areas before they result in injury or damage. Reporting and addressing them can save lives and reduce costly incidents
Information gathered from near misses helps employers identify patterns and weaknesses in existing safety systems
Reporting near misses encourages open conversations about safety and reinforces that hazard prevention is a shared responsibility
When workers feel their concerns are heard and acted upon, they are more likely to take ownership of keeping the worksite safe
Real-Life Case or Scenario
A worker walking across a warehouse floor tripped on a loose cable but managed to catch themselves before falling. Although no injury occurred, the incident revealed a tripping hazard that could have led to serious harm. After the near miss was reported, the cable was properly secured—helping to prevent future accidents.
Employee Responsibilities
- Report all near misses immediately, no matter how minor they may seem
- Participate in investigations to help identify root causes and suggest possible solutions
- Stay alert for potential hazards and share any observations with your team
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide a safe, blame-free process for reporting near misses.
- Investigate near misses thoroughly to determine the cause and take corrective action.
- Offer training to help workers understand what a near miss is and why reporting matters.
- Use near miss reports to continuously improve workplace health and safety systems.
Discussion & Questions
- “Have you ever experienced a near miss? What happened?”
- “What might stop someone from reporting a near miss?”
- “How can we make it easier to report near misses on our site?”
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s all commit to reporting near misses immediately and without delay. Starting today, if you see or experience a near miss, let your supervisor know. Together, we’ll use these reports to build a safer and stronger safety culture.
Wrap-Up
Near misses are a gift—they show us where risks are hiding before someone gets hurt. By recognising and reporting them, we can prevent harm, protect each other, and keep our worksite safe. Let’s make it a priority to take these steps every day.
Standards Overview
- Incident Investigation: CCOHS and provincial safety authorities recommend investigating near misses to identify root causes and prevent recurrence
- Recordkeeping: Maintaining a record of near misses helps identify trends and improve overall workplace safety systems
Disclaimer
“The information provided in this toolbox talk is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The content reflects general best practices and industry standards but may not be applicable to all workplace environments or jurisdictions.
It is the responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to those set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and relevant provincial occupational health and safety authorities. Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents, or representatives—as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk—assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
Participants are strongly encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals regarding specific workplace concerns or questions. Always adhere to your organisation’s policies and procedures for health and safety and hazard management.
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