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 prevent future incidents.
Identify the Hazards
- Increased Risk of Accidents: Unreported near misses often come before more serious incidents.
- Missed Learning Opportunities: Important safety improvements may be missed if near misses go unreported.
- Loss of Awareness: Workers may underestimate risks, which can lead to complacency.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
- Prevent Future Accidents
Near misses identify problem areas before they result in harm. Reporting and addressing them can save lives and reduce costly incidents.
- Improve Safety Systems
Information gathered from near misses helps employers identify patterns and weaknesses in safety systems.
- Foster a Safety Culture
Reporting near misses promotes open conversations about safety and reinforces that hazard prevention is a shared responsibility.
- Empower Employees
When workers feel that their concerns are heard, they are more likely to take responsibility for keeping the worksite safe.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
A worker walking across a warehouse floor tripped on a loose cable but caught themselves before falling. While no one was injured, the incident highlighted a tripping hazard that could have caused a serious injury. After reporting the near miss, the cable was properly secured, preventing future accidents.
Employee Responsibilities
- Report all near misses immediately, regardless of how minor they seem.
- Take part in investigations to help identify causes and offer possible solutions.
- Stay alert for potential hazards and share any observations with the 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: WorkSafe recommends investigating near misses to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.
Recordkeeping: Maintaining a record of near misses helps in identifying trends and improving safety systems.
Disclaimer
These toolbox talks are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional legal, health and safety, or regulatory advice.
The content reflects recognised best practices and general industry standards as at the date of publication. However, it may not be applicable to all workplace environments or specific operational contexts.
It is the responsibility of the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), as well as officers, workers, and other duty holders under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and WorkSafe New Zealand guidance.
The authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk disclaim all liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use or reliance on the information provided. Users should seek advice from a suitably qualified health and safety professional or legal advisor for guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.
Always follow your organisation’s policies, procedures, and safe work practices to manage risks and maintain a safe and healthy workplace.
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