Category: Safety & quality
Prepared by Eng. Ahmed Fathy, Projects Manager ·
Definition
A near miss is an event that could have caused injury or damage but did not, such as a tool falling from height next to a worker.
Why it matters on a project
Recording and investigating it prevents the next real accident. Sites that log many near misses are often safer because they learn early.
Common mistake
Ignoring a near miss because nobody was hurt.
Frequently asked questions
Why record near misses?
They expose the same causes that lead to real accidents, before anyone is hurt.
Should reporters be punished?
No. The aim is learning; punishment makes people hide reports.
Related terms
- Risk assessmentIdentifying hazards in each activity, estimating likelihood and severity and setting controls before work starts.
- PPEHelmet, high-visibility vest, safety boots, glasses, gloves and harness as the activity requires.
- Permit to workWritten authorisation for hazardous work (hot work, work at height, confined spaces) under set conditions.
- NCR (non-conformance report)A report recording work or material not meeting the specification, with root cause and corrective action.
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