What does the term "near-miss" refer to?

The term "near-miss" refers specifically to a close call that could have led to an accident. This means that there was a situation where an incident nearly occurred, but through fortunate circumstances or interventions, an accident was avoided. Recognizing and reporting near-misses is critical in safety management since they indicate underlying issues that could potentially lead to future accidents if not addressed. By learning from these situations, organizations can implement preventive measures to enhance safety and mitigate risks. Understanding the concept of near-miss events helps foster a culture of safety awareness where personnel can recognize hazards and take appropriate actions to prevent actual incidents from occurring.