Every incident—whether it causes injury or not—is a learning opportunity. Near misses are warning signs that something in the process or environment needs attention. If ignored, they can lead to serious injuries, equipment damage, or worse.
Definitions:
- Incident: Any unplanned event that causes injury, illness, property damage, or environmental harm.
- Near Miss: An unplanned event that didn’t cause harm—but easily could have.
Why You Must Report:
- Prevent repeat incidents
- Identify unsafe conditions or behaviors
- Improve training, processes, and equipment
- Fulfills legal and company obligations
- Promote a culture of safety where everyone watches out for each other
What to Report:
- Injuries (no matter how small)
- Equipment failures or malfunctions
- Spills or environmental hazards
- Unsafe conditions (e.g., blocked exits, frayed cords)
- Near misses, close calls, or “almost accidents”
How to Report:
- Notify your supervisor and safety dept. immediately
- Fill out the proper incident or near miss report form
- Include key details: who, what, when, where, and why
Note: Reporting is not about blame—it’s about fixing problems.
If you have questions about reporting or need to make a report please see Chelsey.