Why Near Misses Are Leading Indicators

Near misses are early evidence, not minor events. They show where the system almost allowed harm. Preserve the pathway A useful near-miss report captures the event, the possible harm, the conditions, and what prevented injury. That pathway helps the team find root causes before loss occurs. Look below the last action If the report only says a person 'was careless,' it loses most of its value. Ask what made the error likely or consequential: layout, staffing, time pressure, equipment condition, visibility, training, or missing controls. Close the loop Reporting improves when people see action. Even an interim control and a…

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