What does it mean to "report near misses"?

Reporting near misses involves recording incidents that could have caused injury but did not. This practice is vital in workplace safety because it allows organizations to analyze situations that nearly resulted in accidents and take preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of such incidents occurring in the future. By documenting these close calls, employers can identify patterns or recurring issues that may pose risks to workers, improving overall safety protocols and training programs.

Recognizing near misses helps in fostering a safety culture where employees feel encouraged to report hazards without fear of reprisal, ultimately contributing to preventing future accidents.