Toolbox Talks Tips: Near Misses & How to Protect Your Staff

  • Health & Safety
toolbox talk accidents and near misses
Michelle Ann Zoleta

Michelle Ann Zoleta, Health & Safety Team Manager

(Last updated )

Being an employer is a huge responsibility that goes just beyond making a profit. Employers are also obligated to put systems in place to protect their employees from incidents, including near misses in the workplace. 

Near misses are close calls or events that could have led to serious incidents or injuries but didn’t. They can result from unsafe actions or conditions on site, and can offer valuable insights to prevent future incidents and maintain a safe work environment. 

What are real-life examples of near misses?

1. A worker tripped over a pallet but did not fall  

2. A recently installed fixture in a warehouse fell but no workers were in the area at the time 

3. An employee entered a forklift area while the machine was in operation but did not get hit 

How can workers help keep their workplace safe?

Workers play a crucial role in keeping the site safe by staying proactive in communication and reporting. Here’s what that responsibility includes:  

1. Reporting any unsafe act or unsafe condition at the workplace - Workers should be trained to identify unsafe acts or conditions, notify the individual who may be in harm’s way, and report the incident to the supervisor. 

2. Reporting near misses - Near misses should be managed like any other hazard. Any near miss observed should be investigated, prioritized, and corrected.  Near misses should be reported even if the hazard or problem has been removed. Many near misses could lead to serious incidents in the future.  

3. Corrective action – Action taken to amend the situation should be documented. Future action should be communicated to all employees and management to avoid a reoccurrence.  

4. All workers should get into the habit of asking this question before they start a task: Am I following all the proper procedures associated with the work task?  

Remember, reporting near misses isn’t just about identifying close calls; it’s about preventing future incidents and creating a safer work environment for everyone. By staying alert and sharing these insights, we can all contribute to a stronger safety culture and ensure everyone goes home safe each day. 

Need help developing a Toolbox Talk program for your business? 

Our experts can help you develop a robust health and safety program to keep your workers safe and your business compliant. Call an advisor today at 1 (833) 247-3652

If you are already a Peninsula client and need assistance with developing your toolbox talk, contact our health and safety 24/7 advice line at 1-833-247-3656 ext. 2 or email ohs@peninsula-ca.com

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