Ever had a close call at work? Maybe a heavy box almost fell on someone, or a forklift narrowly missed hitting a shelf. No one got hurt, so no big deal, right? Wrong.
Near misses are warnings—like your workplace’s way of saying, “Hey, this could have been bad… fix it before it actually happens.” Ignoring them is like ignoring your check engine light and hoping your car won’t break down. Spoiler alert: It will.
For Calgary businesses, tracking near misses isn’t just about compliance—it’s about preventing disasters before they happen. Let’s dive into why near misses matter, real-life examples, and how Calgary Safety Consultants can help you turn “almost accidents” into safer workplaces.
A near miss is an unplanned event that almost results in an injury, damage, or loss—but doesn’t. It’s like:
✅ A worker slipping on a wet floor but catching themselves before falling.
✅ A heavy tool falling from a scaffold and landing inches away from someone.
✅ A chemical spill that didn’t cause harm—this time.
Near misses are red flags telling you something needs fixing before luck runs out.
Reference: The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) explains near misses and their role in workplace safety:
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/near_miss.html
A Calgary-based warehouse had a habit of leaving pallets in aisles. One day, a forklift operator almost crashed into a hidden pallet while turning a corner. The operator stopped just in time, avoiding an accident.
❌ What Went Wrong?
✔ Fixes That Prevented Future Accidents
Reference: SafeWork Alberta has specific guidelines on forklift safety:
https://www.alberta.ca/forklift-safety.aspx
An office employee was rushing to a meeting, didn’t see a coffee spill, and slipped—but caught themselves on a chair. No injury, just a startled look. Lucky? Yes. A warning? Absolutely.
❌ What Went Wrong?
✔ Fixes That Prevented Future Incidents
Reference: Workplace slip-and-fall prevention strategies from the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) of Alberta:
https://www.wcb.ab.ca/assets/pdfs/employers/ohs_slips_trips_falls.pdf
Studies show that for every one serious injury, there are typically 30 minor injuries and 300 near misses (Heinrich’s Safety Pyramid).
If a workplace ignores near misses, those 300 close calls turn into real injuries—or worse.
The Benefits of Reporting Near Misses
🔹 Prevents actual accidents – Fix hazards before someone gets hurt.
🔹 Improves workplace safety culture – Employees feel safer and more engaged.
🔹 Reduces costs – Fewer injuries mean lower WCB premiums and insurance rates.
🔹 Boosts OH&S compliance – Alberta OHS laws require hazard reporting and prevention.
Reference: Alberta’s OH&S requirements on hazard identification:
https://www.alberta.ca/ohs-hazard-assessment-and-control.aspx
At Calgary Safety Consultants, we help Calgary businesses turn near misses into safer workplaces. Here’s how:
✅ Near Miss Reporting Programs – We help you create simple, effective systems for employees to report hazards.
✅ Workplace Safety Audits – We assess your work environment for hidden risks before they cause an accident.
✅ Training & Safety Culture Development – We teach your team why reporting near misses matters and how to act on them.
✅ Compliance Support – Need help meeting Alberta OH&S standards? We’ll make sure you’re on track and avoiding penalties.
A near miss isn’t just luck—it’s a warning sign. Fixing small problems now prevents major accidents later. The best workplaces don’t just react to incidents; they prevent them before they happen.
Does your workplace track near misses? Share your experiences in the comments! Let’s make Calgary businesses safer, smarter, and accident-free.
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Yes, we offer comprehensive incident investigation services to identify root causes and help prevent future occurrences. We can even look at your trending data and help you with proactive solutions. This is a key area that requires expert touches to get you on track to zero harm.
OHS incident investigations help businesses understand the root causes of workplace accidents. By proactively addressing these causes, companies can reduce the likelihood of future incidents, leading to lower direct costs like medical bills and indirect costs such as lost productivity.
Yes, effective incident investigations allow companies to address safety issues that could lead to regulatory violations or legal claims. By maintaining a safe workplace and adhering to OHS standards, businesses reduce the risk of costly lawsuits and fines.
Reporting near misses helps prevent serious accidents, reduces workplace risks, improves safety culture, and ensures compliance with Alberta OH&S regulations.
Creating a no-blame reporting culture, making reporting quick and easy, and recognizing employees for speaking up can increase near-miss reporting.
Businesses should document, analyze the root cause, and take corrective action to prevent similar incidents in the future. Involving employees in safety solutions also strengthens workplace safety.
Calgary Safety Consultants is here to help you ensure compliance, enhance safety, and streamline your OH&S program. Don’t wait—fill out the form, and we’ll connect with you to discuss how we can support your business. Let’s get started!
Calgary Safety Consultants delivers game-changing COR Audits and OH&S consulting designed to keep your business safe, compliant, and accident-free. With 30+ years of expertise in high-risk industries like oil & gas, construction, and manufacturing, we understand the unique challenges you face. We offer tailored safety solutions that not only meet regulatory standards but also reduce operational risks and protect your workforce. From conducting thorough safety audits to implementing comprehensive safety management systems, we ensure your team is fully supported. Our hands-on, collaborative approach means we're with you every step of the way, helping you achieve a safer, more efficient workplace. Let us handle the heavy lifting so your team stays protected, and your business thrives!
