What is considered a near miss?
In any workplace, safety is a top priority. While accidents and injuries often receive the most attention, near misses play a crucial role in preventing future accidents. A near miss is an unplanned event that, under slightly different circumstances, could have resulted in injury, illness, or damage—but ultimately did not.
Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013, certain near miss incidents are classified as “dangerous occurrences” and must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Schedule 2 of RIDDOR outlines the specific types of dangerous occurrences that must be reported and some examples of these incidents.
Understanding and reporting near misses is vital for maintaining a safe work environment. These incidents act as early warning signs, highlighting hidden risks before they escalate into real harm. organizations that actively track and analyse near misses can identify potential hazards, strengthen safety protocols, and cultivate a culture of prevention. By treating near misses with the same level of importance as actual accidents, businesses can proactively reduce risks and protect their employees.
Definition of a Near Miss
A near miss is defined as an unexpected event that had the potential to cause harm but did not result in injury, illness, or damage. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) describes a near miss as “any event that doesn’t lead to harm but does have the potential to cause illness or injury.”
Near misses differ from accidents in one key way: while an accident results in actual harm, a near miss falls just short of causing damage. However, the absence of harm does not diminish their significance. Instead, they serve as critical indicators of workplace hazards that could lead to serious incidents if left unaddressed.
For example, an employee might slip on a wet floor but regain balance before falling. While no injury occurred, the situation highlights a potential risk that, if ignored, could lead to an actual accident in the future. recognizing and reporting these events allows organizations to implement corrective measures before disaster strikes.
Key Characteristics of a Near Miss
Understanding what qualifies as a near miss requires recognizing its defining characteristics. While near misses vary across different workplaces, they share three key traits:
Unplanned Nature
A near miss is always unexpected—it is not a planned event but rather a situation that arises suddenly, without prior intention. For example, a worker might unknowingly walk under an unsecured load that, had it fallen, could have caused serious harm.
Potential for Harm
The defining feature of a near miss is that it had the potential to cause injury, illness, or damage but did not. If the circumstances had been slightly different, the outcome could have been much worse. For instance, an employee using a damaged ladder may avoid falling, but the possibility of injury was very real.
Absence of Actual Harm
Unlike an accident, a near miss does not result in injury, illness, or property damage. This distinction is crucial: while nothing bad actually happened, the situation still posed a serious risk. Just because no one was hurt this time does not mean the same situation won’t lead to an accident in the future.
By recognizing these characteristics, employees and employers can better identify, report and investigate near misses, turning them into valuable learning opportunities.
Why Near Misses Matter
Near misses are more than just close calls—they serve as early warning signs of potential hazards. Safety experts often refer to them as “accident precursors” or “injury-free events” because they reveal the weaknesses in workplace safety before they result in real harm.
Preventing Future Accidents
Tracking and analysing near misses allows organizations to proactively improve safety measures. Each unreported near miss is a missed opportunity to prevent a future accident. By identifying recurring risks—such as improperly stored equipment or unsafe procedures—companies can address safety gaps before they lead to serious consequences.
Building a Strong Safety Culture
When employees are encouraged to report near misses, it fosters a culture of awareness and accountability. Workers become more vigilant about potential hazards, and employers can implement preventative measures based on real-world observations. This proactive approach reduces workplace accidents, protects employees, and ultimately enhances overall health and safety.
Rather than ignoring near misses, organizations should treat them as valuable learning tools. Every near miss is an opportunity to control the risks before they turn into actual injuries, ensuring a safer workplace for everyone.
Examples of Near Miss Incidents
Near misses can occur in a variety of workplace settings, from offices to construction sites and manufacturing plants. While they may seem minor at first glance, each incident represents a missed accident—a situation that could have resulted in injury, illness, or damage if circumstances had been slightly different. Here are some common examples:
Slipping on a Wet Floor but Not Falling
An employee walking through a hallway steps onto a wet surface with no warning sign. They manage to regain balance without falling, but the situation could have easily resulted in a serious injury. This near miss highlights the need for proper signage and timely cleaning procedures.
Using Improper Equipment but Avoiding Injury
A worker grabs a stool instead of a ladder to reach a high shelf. They momentarily lose balance but recover before falling. While no injury occurred, the improper use of equipment created a hazardous situation that could have led to an accident.
Unsafe Working Conditions That Could Have Led to Harm
A construction worker notices that scaffolding is unstable but chooses to step away before using it. In this case, no harm was done, but the faulty equipment poses a significant risk to anyone unaware of the issue. Reporting the near miss can prevent an accident before it happens.
Exposure to Harmful Substances Without Adverse Effects
A lab technician working with chemicals realizes after the fact that they weren’t wearing proper personal protective equipment. Although they don’t suffer any immediate health effects, continued exposure could lead to long-term consequences. Reporting and investigating such near misses helps reinforce safety protocols.
The Role of Near Miss Reporting in Workplace Safety
Recognizing a near miss is only the first step. To prevent future accidents, workplaces must actively track and analyse these incidents. A strong near miss reporting system helps organizations:
Identifying Potential Hazards Before They Cause Harm
Every near miss highlights a weakness in workplace safety. By documenting and reviewing these incidents, employers can pinpoint risks—whether it’s a poorly maintained machine, inadequate training, or unsafe behaviour—before they lead to real accidents.
Analysing Root Causes to Prevent Future Accidents
Near miss reporting isn’t just about listing what went wrong—it’s about understanding why it happened. By conducting root cause analysis, businesses can identify patterns and systemic issues, allowing them to implement targeted solutions.
Developing and Implementing Preventive Measures
Once hazards are identified, organisations can take proactive steps to control them. This may involve implementing engineering controls, improving training programs, updating safety protocols, enforcing better equipment usage, or increasing signage and protective measures.
Encouraging a Proactive Safety Culture
When employees are encouraged to report near misses without fear of blame, it creates a culture of safety and accountability. Workers become more aware of potential risks, take ownership of their health and safety, and actively participate in safety improvements. A workplace that values near miss reporting is one that prioritizes prevention over reaction.
By treating near misses as valuable learning opportunities, organizations can strengthen workplace safety, reduce accidents, and protect employees from preventable harm.
Conclusion
Near misses are more than just close calls—they are early warning signs that highlight potential dangers in the workplace. By recognizing and reporting these incidents, employees and employers can take proactive steps to prevent accidents before they happen.
A strong near miss reporting system allows organizations to identify hazards, analyse root causes, and implement effective safety control measures. When businesses treat near misses with the same level of importance as actual accidents, they create a workplace culture that values prevention, awareness, and continuous improvement.
Every employee plays a role in maintaining workplace safety. Whether it’s reporting a slippery floor, highlighting improper equipment use, or identifying unsafe working conditions, speaking up about near misses can help protect colleagues and prevent serious injuries.
Employers should establish clear, non-punitive reporting systems, and employees should actively participate in making the workplace safer for everyone. By prioritising near miss reporting, we can turn potential incidents into learning opportunities and create a safer, healthier work environment.
Understanding the importance of near miss reporting and invcestigation is a key component of workplace safety, and it’s a critical aspect of the NEBOSH and Highfield training courses. Both of these courses emphasize the role of proactive safety measures, such as near miss reporting, to prevent accidents and improve overall health and safety in the workplace. By incorporating the concepts discussed in this blog into your training, you’ll be better equipped to identify potential hazards, implement effective safety control measures, and contribute to fostering a culture of safety within your organization.
Whether you’re enrolled in a NEBOSH or Highfield course, learning how to effectively identify, report and investigate near misses will enhance your ability to manage safety risks and support your commitment to creating a safer working environment.
FAQ
What exactly is a near miss?
A near miss is an unplanned event that had the potential to cause injury, illness, or damage but did not result in harm. It’s a close call that serves as an indicator of potential risks in the workplace that could lead to more serious incidents if not addressed.
How are near misses different from accidents?
While near misses and accidents both involve potential harm, the key difference is that near misses do not result in actual injury, illness, or damage. In contrast, accidents cause tangible harm or damage. Near misses are essentially "accident precursors", warning that a similar event could lead to an actual injury or incident in the future.
Why is reporting near misses important?
Reporting near misses is essential for identifying and addressing potential hazards before they lead to accidents. It helps organizations analyze safety risks, prevent future incidents, and create a culture of safety awareness, ultimately improving overall workplace safety.
What are some common examples of near misses?
Common near miss incidents include slipping on a wet floor without falling, using improper equipment but avoiding injury, unsafe working conditions, exposure to harmful substances without adverse effects, and ergonomic risks that could cause future harm.
How can I report a near miss in my workplace?
Reporting a near miss can vary depending on your company’s reporting system. Many organizations have dedicated near miss reporting forms or online platforms. If your workplace doesn't have a system in place, it’s a good idea to talk to your supervisor or HR about implementing one. Reporting should always be encouraged and supported without fear of blame.