10 Near-Miss Discussion Examples (+Reporting Format)
Introduction
Near-miss incidents are unplanned events that could have resulted in injury, damage, or loss but did not—this time. Discussing near misses is crucial for improving workplace safety, as they provide valuable learning opportunities to prevent future accidents. By analyzing these close calls, organizations can identify hazards, reinforce safety protocols, and foster a proactive safety culture.
Below are 10 near-miss examples along with a structured reporting format to help teams document and address these incidents effectively.
10 Near-Miss Discussion Examples
1. Slippery Floor Without a Sign
- Scenario: An employee nearly slips on a wet floor that wasn’t marked with a warning sign.
- Preventive Action: Ensure spills are cleaned immediately and “Wet Floor” signs are always used.
2. Falling Tools from Height
- Scenario: A wrench slips from a worker’s hand on a scaffold but doesn’t hit anyone below.
- Preventive Action: Enforce tool lanyards and barricade areas below elevated work zones.
3. Near-Collision with a Forklift
- Scenario: A forklift operator almost hits a pedestrian at a blind corner.
- Preventive Action: Install mirrors, enforce speed limits, and separate pedestrian pathways.
4. Electrical Cord Trip Hazard
- Scenario: A worker trips over an extension cord stretched across a walkway.
- Preventive Action: Use cable covers or route cords along walls.
5. Improper PPE Usage
- Scenario: A worker narrowly avoids eye injury but wasn’t wearing safety goggles.
- Preventive Action: Reinforce PPE policies and conduct regular checks.
6. Unsecured Ladder Incident
- Scenario: A ladder shifts while a worker climbs, but they regain balance.
- Preventive Action: Train employees on proper ladder setup and use stabilizers.
7. Chemical Splash Near-Miss
- Scenario: A chemical bottle tips over, but the spill is contained before contact.
- Preventive Action: Store chemicals properly and keep spill kits accessible.
8. Machine Guarding Bypass
- Scenario: A worker removes a guard for “quick access” but stops the machine in time.
- Preventive Action: Enforce lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and guard policies.
9. Overloaded Shelving
- Scenario: A storage shelf nearly collapses due to excessive weight.
- Preventive Action: Follow load limits and inspect storage units regularly.
10. Distracted Driving Close Call
- Scenario: A delivery driver checks their phone and almost rear-ends another vehicle.
- Preventive Action: Ban phone use while driving and promote defensive driving training.
Near-Miss Reporting Format
A structured report helps track and address near misses effectively. Use this template:
- Date & Time:
- Location:
- Person Reporting:
- Description of Near-Miss:
- Potential Consequences:
- Root Cause:
- Immediate Corrective Actions:
- Preventive Measures:
- Reported To (Supervisor/Manager):
Conclusion
Near-miss discussions are a proactive way to enhance workplace safety. By encouraging employees to report and analyze these incidents, organizations can prevent serious accidents before they happen. Implementing a clear reporting system and acting on near-miss data fosters a culture of continuous safety improvement.
Top 20 Near Miss Reporting Examples & Lessons Learned
Classification of Accidents in Safety
Examples of Near Miss Reporting
FAQs
Why is reporting near misses important?
Reporting near misses helps identify hazards before they cause harm, allowing for corrective actions to prevent future incidents.
How can companies encourage near-miss reporting?
- Promote a no-blame culture.
- Simplify reporting procedures.
- Recognize and reward employees who report near misses.
What’s the difference between a near miss and an accident?
A near miss is an incident that could have caused harm but didn’t, while an accident results in actual injury, damage, or loss.
Should near misses be investigated like accidents?
Yes! Investigating near misses helps uncover underlying risks and prevent future accidents.
How often should near-miss discussions be held?
Regularly—such as during safety meetings or toolbox talks—to keep safety awareness high.
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