What is a Near Miss

A near miss is an unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, or damage, but had the potential to do so. It’s essentially a close call, where something went wrong or could have gone wrong, but no harm occurred either by chance or quick intervention. Near misses are critical indicators in occupational health and safety because they often point to underlying hazards or system failures that, if left unaddressed, could lead to serious incidents in the future. By identifying, reporting, and analysing near misses, organisations can proactively correct unsafe conditions and improve safety protocols before someone gets hurt.

Why report a Near Miss?

1. Encourages and provides a safer workplace.

Near-miss reporting fosters a proactive safety culture where hazards are addressed before they lead to harm. When workers report close calls, it signals a shared commitment to safety, prompting management to take timely corrective actions. Over time, this open communication loop builds trust, accountability, and a safer work environment for everyone.

2. It can help you to see the holes or flaws in a system.

Near misses often expose weaknesses in existing procedures, equipment design, or workplace layout that might not be evident during regular operations. These “hidden hazards” may only surface when something nearly goes wrong. By analysing these incidents, safety teams can identify and fix gaps in systems that otherwise might have gone unnoticed until a serious accident occurred.

3. Helps to gather the relevant information to help prevent future near misses.

When a near miss is reported, it becomes a valuable data point. Details such as time, location, activity, equipment involved, and environmental conditions can be collected and analysed. This information provides insights into patterns or recurring risks, allowing safety teams to make informed decisions. The more detailed and timely the reporting, the more effective the preventative measures can be.

4. Reduces the likelihood of serious incidents

Every serious injury or accident is often preceded by multiple near misses. By treating these events as warnings and addressing their root causes, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of future harm. Early interventions based on near-miss reports can prevent minor issues from escalating into costly and potentially life-threatening situations.

5. Promotes a culture of continuous improvement

Implementing a near-miss reporting system signals that safety is a shared responsibility. It encourages employees to be observant, speak up, and participate in the ongoing improvement of workplace conditions. Over time, this not only reduces risk but also fosters a more engaged workforce that feels empowered to contribute to safety solutions.

Conclusion

Near-miss reporting is more than just paperwork—it’s a critical component of a successful safety program. By recognising and learning from close calls, organisations can uncover hidden dangers, correct unsafe conditions, and ultimately prevent injuries and accidents. Encouraging open, non-punitive reporting of near misses can transform workplace safety from reactive to proactive, making it a true game-changer.