Reporting and Reacting

Collecting near-miss reports help create a culture that seeks to identify and control hazards, which will reduce risks and the potential for harm, OSHA states. But a well-run program goes beyond the collection of reports.

A near miss must not be taken lightly. You must thoroughly study it, identify the underlying reasons, and then adopt the necessary controls. Employers might be tempted to set quotas in order to encourage workers to submit near-miss data. Although quotas may be beneficial for establishing expectations when kicking off a new reporting program. Continuing these requirements could negatively affect the quality of the information employers receive. Another way to encourage reporting is to offer incentives to workers who report hazards.

Success is dependent on the support of all employees. “If it’s not supported by all levels of the organization and positively reinforced at all levels, then it’s not going to be effective. Employees want to know that their employer is committed to the program, thus management must put in a lot of effort and persevere in advancing the importance of near-misses.?