Why Reporting Near Misses is Critical to Stop The Big Ones

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Summary

Ever had a close call at work? Maybe a forklift zipped by a little too close, or a ladder slipped but caught at the last second? That, my friend, is a near miss—and it’s one of the most powerful learning tools in workplace safety.

Unfortunately, many Calgary businesses ignore near misses because “nothing bad actually happened.” But here’s the deal: A near miss today can be a full-blown accident tomorrow if left unaddressed.

At Calgary Safety Consultants, we help businesses develop solid near-miss reporting systems to catch hazards before they lead to injuries, downtime, or expensive fines. Let’s break down why near-miss reporting is critical and how your workplace can benefit.

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What is a Near Miss?

A near miss is any unplanned event that could have caused injury, property damage, or another safety incident—but didn’t (this time).

Think of it as a warning sign from the universe saying, “Fix this before someone gets hurt!”

Examples of Near Misses in the Workplace

  • A worker trips over loose cables but catches themselves before falling.
  • A forklift nearly backs into a worker, but they step out of the way just in time.
  • An overloaded power strip sparks but doesn’t cause a fire.
  • A heavy tool falls off a shelf but narrowly misses someone’s foot.

These might seem minor, but ignoring them is like ignoring a leaking pipe—it’s only a matter of time before it bursts.

Why Reporting Near Misses is a Game-Changer

Many businesses only react after an injury happens. But by reporting and fixing near misses, you can:

  • Prevent Future Accidents – A near miss is an early warning of a hazard. Addressing it now prevents injuries later.
  • Improve Workplace Safety Culture – Encouraging near-miss reporting empowers employees to speak up about hazards.
  • Reduce Costs – Fixing small hazards is way cheaper than dealing with injury claims, downtime, or OH&S fines.
  • Stay OH&S Compliant – Alberta OH&S expects businesses to be proactive about workplace hazards (Alberta OH&S Act).
  • Enhance Risk Awareness – Regular reporting makes workers more safety-conscious and engaged.

A near-miss reporting system isn’t about blaming workers—it’s about identifying and fixing issues before they escalate.

How to Build a Near-Miss Reporting Culture

Many employees don’t report near misses because they:

  • Think it’s not a big deal.
  • Fear getting blamed or punished.
  • Don’t know how or where to report it.

That’s why businesses need a clear and easy system. Here’s how to do it:

Step One: Make Near-Miss Reporting Quick & Simple

  • Use a short, easy-to-fill form (paper or digital).
  • Consider a mobile app or QR code system for instant reporting.
  • Set up designated reporting stations around the workplace.

Step Two: Create a No-Blame, No-Punishment Policy

  • Make it clear that reporting near misses helps everyone—no one will be disciplined for speaking up.
  • Recognize and reward employees for reporting hazards (gift cards, shout-outs in meetings, etc.).

Step Three: Investigate & Take Action

  • Treat near misses like actual incidents—investigate what went wrong and fix the root cause.
  • Involve employees in brainstorming solutions.
  • Share lessons learned with the whole team so everyone benefits.

Step Four: Track and Analyze Trends

  • Log all near misses and look for patterns (e.g., recurring hazards, problem areas).
  • Use reports to improve training, update procedures, or invest in better equipment.

What Happens If You Ignore Near Misses?

  • More Accidents – That “almost fall” could be a broken leg next time.
  • Higher Costs – OH&S fines, WCB claims, and downtime add up fast.
  • Loss of Employee Trust – If workers see problems ignored, they won’t bother reporting issues in the future.

Companies that don’t take near-miss reporting seriously risk bigger incidents, legal trouble, and reputational damage.

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How Calgary Safety Consultants Can Help

We get it—implementing a near-miss reporting system takes time and effort. That’s where we come in!

  • Custom Near-Miss Reporting Systems – We create user-friendly reporting solutions for your business.
  • Employee Training – Teach workers why near-miss reporting matters and how to do it.
  • Hazard Assessments – Identify hidden risks before they lead to accidents.
  • Incident Investigations – Help analyze why near misses happen and how to prevent future incidents.
  • OH&S Compliance Support – Ensure your business meets Alberta OH&S standards.

Want to make your workplace safer? Book your complimentary consultation today.

Stay safe, stay compliant, and keep your business running smoothly!

References

  • Government of Alberta. (2024). Occupational Health and Safety Act. Available here
  • Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). (2024). Near Miss Reporting Best Practices. Available here
  • Workers’ Compensation Board – Alberta. (2024). Workplace Injury Prevention and Reporting. Available here

By reporting and fixing near misses, you create a safer, more proactive workplace where accidents are less likely to happen. Let’s stop small problems before they turn into big ones! 

FAQs About Near Miss Reporting!

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.

Secure Your Workplace Safety Today

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!