Reporting a near miss (near hit or close call)
A near miss is defined as an incident or an unplanned event that could have resulted in injury, ill-health, equipment damage and or environmental damage. Every workplace where active work is performed once experienced a near miss. It can also be referred to as a near hit or a close one.
The reporting, investigation and mitigation of near misses is important to prevent future incidents.
The influence of near misses
Heinrich’s Law develop by H W Heinrich describes the relationship between near misses and incidents that result in injury. It is presented pictorially and commonly referred to as the ‘Safety Pyramid’.
The Safety Pyramid
The safety pyramid compares the frequency of different types of incidents, ranging from unsafe behaviours to serious injuries or fatalities. The pyramid further clarifies how a near miss is an accident waiting to happen. From 1,000 near misses, 100 medical injuries are likely to result of which 10 lost time injuries and 1 serious injury or fatality can result.
Why reporting of near misses is important?
- They have a potential to create hazards and unsafe conditions.
- Preventive action means future incidents from the same scenario can be prevented.
- A near miss is a leading indicator.
- Supports a positive safety culture.
- Shows that the organisation is committed to safety and cares for its personnel.
How to report a near miss?
- Prioritise ensuring that the area is in a safe state.
- Consider barricading and information tags to preserve the scene or to inform others of any hazards that may still be present.
- Following your site safety management system, report a near miss to your supervisor.
- Ensure that you collect and include as much information as possible in your report.
- Cooperate with the investigation.
- Suggest means of preventing reoccurrence.
Managing a reported near miss
- Gather as much information regarding the near miss. This includes collecting statements from involved persons, photos of the scene etc.
- Following best practice, undertake a detailed investigation to determine the root causes of the near miss.
- Identifying mitigating controls to prevent reoccurrence and to reduce the risk of an actual incident that results in harm, injury or damage to equipment or property.
- Assign and implement the necessary actions to prevent a future incident.
- Provide feedback to the involved person(s) and workforce for key learnings and actions to be implemented.
Near misses are free learnings. They must be reported, investigated and preventive controls implemented to reduce the risk of future incidents. The reporting and management plays a part in building a positive safety culture.
If you would like to know more, contact us at Fanira. We are here to help.