Why This Matters
Unreported incidents and near-misses mean unaddressed hazards; for every serious injury there are approximately 300 near-misses.
What Is an Incident
An incident is any event that causes injury, illness, property damage, or environmental impact; includes vehicle accidents on site.
What Is a Near-Miss
An event that could have caused harm but didn't; a near-miss today is tomorrow's accident if not addressed.
Why Report Near-Misses
- They reveal hazards before someone gets hurt.
- No-blame reporting culture encourages honest reporting.
How to Report
- Notify your supervisor immediately.
- Document what happened, when, where, who was involved, and what conditions existed.
Investigation Basics
- Root cause analysis, not blame.
- Ask "why" five times.
- Corrective actions must address the root cause.
Your Rights
- OSHA protects your right to report.
- No retaliation for reporting injuries or hazards.
- Anonymous reporting options available.
Key Takeaways
- Incident and near-miss reporting help prevent future injuries.
- Reporting should be timely, accurate, and honest.
- Everyone has a right to a safe workplace without fear of retaliation.
Quiz
1. What is a near-miss?
2. For every serious injury, approximately how many near-misses occur?
3. Can your employer retaliate against you for reporting an injury?
4. What is the goal of an incident investigation?
5. When should you report an incident to your supervisor?