Introduction

On many job sites, not every dangerous situation ends in an injury or damage. A worker may slip but catch their balance, a tool might fall and land just inches away from someone, or equipment may stop just in time. These events may be treated as “close calls,” but OSHA defines them as near misses, and they send an important safety warning.

A near miss shows that a hazard was present and could have caused serious harm if conditions were slightly different. Paying attention to these events helps workers and employers identify risks early and correct unsafe conditions before they lead to injuries, property damage, or lost work time.

OSHA’s Definition of a Near Miss

OSHA defines a near miss as an unplanned event where no one is injured, no illness occurs, and no property is damaged, but a small change in timing or circumstances could have caused harm.

In simple words, a near miss is an accident that almost happens. Nothing went wrong this time, but the risk was clearly present.

Example: A worker slips on a wet floor but catches themselves before falling. No one is hurt, yet the hazard is still there and could cause injury if it is not corrected.

Why Near Misses Should Not Be Ignored

Near misses act as warnings. They show that something on the job site is unsafe, even if no one is injured. Paying attention to these events helps prevent accidents before they occur.

A near miss can uncover problems that could lead to accidents, such as:

• Messy or cluttered work areas
• Missing safety guards or barriers
• Unsafe work practices or shortcuts

Correcting hazards after a near miss can prevent injuries and property damage. Waiting until someone is hurt often results in higher costs and more serious outcomes. Immediate action keeps the workplace safer.

Reporting near misses shows that safety is valued over blame. Open communication improves awareness, increases understanding of hazards, and helps maintain safer work practices.

Common Near Miss Examples at Work

Near misses can occur in any industry and at any time. Examples include:

• A tool falling from height and landing close to a worker
• A forklift stopping just before striking someone
• A worker stepping around a spill before slipping
• A ladder shifting but not fully tipping over

In each case, the situation ends safely, but only by chance. These events provide important insight into potential hazards.

Near Miss Reporting and OSHA

OSHA does not require near misses to be formally recorded like injuries or illnesses. However, tracking and reviewing near misses is highly recommended as part of an effective safety and health program.

• What happened
• Where and when it occurred
• What could have gone wrong
• Actions to prevent it from happening again

Reviewing these reports helps identify common issues, reduce hazards, and improve overall workplace safety.

Turning Near Misses Into Safety Improvements

A near miss only has meaning when it leads to action. After a near miss:

• Examine the cause of the event
• Correct unsafe conditions immediately
• Share lessons learned with the team
• Update procedures or provide additional training if needed

Following these steps turns a close call into a learning opportunity and improves workplace safety.

Conclusion

Near misses are not just minor incidents, they are early warnings of hazards that could lead to accidents if ignored. OSHA recognizes near misses as important indicators of unsafe conditions that need attention. By identifying, reporting, and taking action on near misses, workplaces can reduce risks before they result in injury or damage. This helps make job sites safer, keeps workers protected, and maintains focus on safety every day.