Near Miss Reporting

Experts estimate that there are at least 300 near miss accidents for every major injury.

If near misses are reported, they can be used to identify exposure in the work environment, increase safety awareness, and prevent future incidents.

Consider the following when implementing a near miss reporting program.

• Create a system that allows employees to report near misses. Make near miss forms available in a common area or online.

• When communicating near miss incidents, avoid using employee names. It is all about the incident and not about the employee.

• Analyze all near miss incidents to determine causal factors, the root cause, and corrective actions.

• Communicate near miss incidents to all applicable employees. What happens at one location can happen at another. Incorporate near miss reviews during toolbox safety meetings.

• Educate employees on the reporting process and the benefits of an effective reporting program.

• Set goals for reporting. Focus on quality over quantity.

• Encourage employees to report near miss incidents.

Source: Joe Mlynek is president of Progressive Safety Services LLC, Gates Mills, OH; joe.mlynek@progressivesafety.us; and content creation expert for Safety Made Simple, Inc., Olathe, KS; joe@safetymadesimple.com