Near misses play a very important role in identifying potential hazards and preventing accidents. A near miss refers to an event that has the potential to result in injury, illness, or death but does not cause any harm. These events cover a wide range of situations, from equipment failures to close calls in transportation. In this blog post, we will examine examples of near misses that employees may encounter in the workplace and discuss how to do near miss reporting. What are the Types of Near Miss? Near-miss events can occur in different categories in the workplace. Some common categories of near misses are as follows: Slip, trip and fall The most common type of near miss is tripping, slipping or falling. This type of near miss can happen when there is something spilled on the floor, a sliding carpet, or an uneven floor. Such near misses can be avoided before they happen with safety practices such as proper signage, cleaning procedures or regular inspections to prevent potential accidents in the future. Equipment Failure Equipment failures can create risks that negatively affect the safety of employees. Near misses in this category are malfunctioning machines, tools or safety equipment. An example of equipment failure is when a machine in a construction environment suddenly fails to produce sparks and smoke. These incidents can be prevented by regular maintenance of equipment, providing inspections, and training employees in emergency response. Misuse of Chemicals and Hazardous Substances Chemicals pose significant risks in certain work areas, such as laboratories or factories. This category includes near misses, improper storage, improper handling procedures, or chemical spills. These incidents can be prevented by employers re-evaluating storage and handling practices, strengthening training programs, or improving safety protocols to minimize the likelihood of accidents. Reporting Near Miss Incidents Recording and analyzing near misses are essential steps to improve workplace safety. Near-miss reporting ensures that potential hazards in the workplace are reported to relevant units and the root causes of incidents are investigated. Near Miss Solution is a software designed to accelerate employees’ reporting processes for near misses. The solution ensures the elimination of potential risks related to all kinds of issues that fall within the scope of occupational health and safety, such as laboratories, warehouses, construction sites, offices, and equipment. Employees can use the solution via mobile, web or QR code. How to Report with Near Miss Solution? Employees can report potential risks and dangerous situations by filling out a form that they can access through the Near Miss Solution. The employee who makes the report can then follow all the developments related to the process through the application.
