A near miss is an event where an accident almost happens—but doesn’t. For example, if a box falls off a shelf and misses someone’s foot, that’s a near miss. It’s a warning sign that something could go wrong next time.
Reporting near misses is very important because it helps prevent real injuries. When workers speak up, safety teams can fix problems before someone gets hurt. It also helps find hidden hazards, like a wet floor, loose step, or broken tool.
Some people don’t report near misses because no one was hurt, but every report gives us a chance to make the workplace safer. It’s better to fix a small problem today than face a serious accident tomorrow.
Remember: If you see something unsafe or almost got hurt, report it right away. Speaking up keeps everyone safe—yourself, your coworkers, and your workplace.
Chelsey