What are 'near misses' in the context of workplace safety?

'Near misses' are defined as incidents that had the potential to cause injury or harm but ultimately did not; they serve as indicators of risk within the workplace. These events are critical to understanding safety dynamics because they signal areas where preventive measures may be necessary to avert future accidents. Analyzing near misses allows organizations to identify and mitigate hazards before they lead to actual injuries or significant incidents.

In contrast, events that caused minor injuries, resulted in property damage, or had no impact on safety do not fit the definition of a near miss. Minor injuries indicate that an incident did occur, property damage denotes actual loss rather than potential risk, and incidents with no impact on safety do not provide valuable insights into risk management or preventive strategies. Thus, the focus on near misses is essential for enhancing workplace safety and fostering a proactive safety culture.