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Before an accident happens, there’s often a warning.
Published on June 3, 2026
2-minute read
What are near misses?
A near miss is an incident where no personal injury occurs—but with a slight change in timing or position, damage or injury easily could have happened. While it may feel tempting to brush these moments off, near misses are one of the clearest signals that something isn’t right.
Examples of near misses include:
- A worker trips over an object on the floor but catches themselves by grabbing a table.
- A worker opens a door that nearly strikes a coworker, who steps back just in time.
- A worker loses balance while standing on stacked boxes to change a light bulb but manages to land on their feet.
When events like these happen, it’s easy to shake them off and move on. But a near miss is more than a close call—it’s a chance to take corrective action before a serious injury occurs.
What near misses matter
Most workplace accidents are preceded by near misses. Think of them as a red flag or wake‑up call that a hazard exists and needs immediate attention. Investigate a near miss just as you would an actual accident:
- What happened—and why?
- Were there witnesses or contributing factors?
- Were proper procedures followed?
- Was the incident caused by an unsafe condition or unsafe behavior?
Understanding the root cause helps prevent repeat incidents—because chances are, there will be a next time if nothing changes.
Turn insight into action
Reporting near misses is essential. Management needs full visibility into potential hazards to address them effectively. When documenting a near miss, include the who, what, when, where, why, and how, along with your analysis.
Near miss reporting can also create meaningful opportunities for:
- Targeted training
- Safety discussions or toolbox talks
- Updated procedures or controls
- Increased awareness of workplace risks
The end result may be eliminating a hazard, establishing a safer process, or simply reinforcing safe behaviors—but each outcome strengthens your safety culture.
Encourage reporting without blame
One of the biggest challenges is getting employees to report near misses. Encourage open communication and reinforce that reporting is about prevention—not punishment. When employees feel safe speaking up, everyone benefits.