Near Miss Reporting – Why It’s Just as Important as an Accident Picture This

In the image, a worker narrowly avoids a serious injury from a forklift, with a co-worker rushing to help. Although the worker is in visible pain, the scene could have resulted in more severe consequences had the forklift moved further. This is a classic example of a near miss—an unplanned event that did not result in injury but had the potential to. Near misses must be reported to prevent real accidents in the future.

Ignoring near misses can lead to repeated mistakes that eventually cause harm. By reporting them, organizations can identify hazards, correct unsafe conditions, and train staff more effectively. Near-miss reports help build a proactive safety culture, where risks are addressed before they escalate into actual accidents. Every close call is a warning that should not be ignored.