On the subject of workplace accidents the ‘iceberg theory’ most often points to the unseen costs of those accidents. Costs that, on average, are six times greater than the obvious ‘seen’ costs. Yet, this is not the only iceberg with hidden features you would very much prefer to avoid.
A related but different interpretation of the iceberg theory contrasts visible accidents—those causing damage, injury, or death—with the far more common near misses, which too often go unnoticed, or 'unseen'.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines a near miss as an incident in which no property was damaged and no personal injury was sustained, but where, given a slight shift in time or position, damage or injury quickly could have occurred. Nearly every worker has been involved in or witnessed such a near miss or ‘close call’ incident.
To report or not to report near misses
As a general rule, Bird’s Safety Triangle shows that for every fatal or serious injury, there will be reports of 10 serious accidents, 30 minor accidents, and 600 near misses. In short: an increase of near-miss incidents indicates an increased severity of incidents when they happen.
Depending on national laws, industry rules or company policies, these incidents, near misses included, need or do not need to be reported and investigated.
Fatalities and serious injuries are usually reported, but near misses often are not. Still, since more near misses often point to a higher risk of serious accidents, managers most definitely should take note—and possibly investigate each one.
Here are some reasons to do so:
- The near-miss could have been a result of an unsafe act or unsafe condition.
- It may have been the result of a failed control.
- A subsequent similar incident could turn out differently, with dramatically more dire consequences.
- When reported and investigated, it may help determine and better define (potentially unknown) root causes.
- It creates data for analysis that can initiate appropriate and more effective prevention.
- It creates a culture that seeks to identify and control hazards and may reduce future risks.
- It sends a strong and motivational message to the workforce.
Bottom-up awareness and prevention
This brings into view the lowest, broadest part of the Safety Triangle. The part that feeds into those near misses (and potentially more severe incidents): hazards, risky behavior, and contributing conditions. AKA: the root cause.
By identifying these risks and hazards and addressing them, a company puts itself in a stronger position to prevent future incidents.
Putting it bluntly, when near misses are reported, properly investigated, and analyzed, accidents will be prevented. Also, the early detection of failures will be enhanced.
“A near miss reported today is the accident that does not happen tomorrow.”
So even in industries or regions where reporting and investigating near misses isn’t required by law, it remains a valuable way to gain insight into that often overlooked but highly relevant base of the iceberg.
This is seen as a vital step in any continuous safety improvement strategy. Normalizing and/or standardizing near-miss reporting works towards a culture focused on improving safety. It also builds a 'looking out for one another' mindset, which boosts morale and productivity. Steering us back to, or rather, steering us clear of that first iceberg in saving money and protecting your bottom line.