According to Cassandra Seltzer of Quantum Compliance, a 1993 study found 189 near miss incidents for every one serious injury. More recent numbers are hard to find, making it difficult to assess how the numbers have trended over the past 22 years.

The problem is that workers typically are reluctant to report near misses. However, Seltzer, Quantums business development associate, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, observed, Near miss reporting is one of the best ways to improve a safety plan.

By reporting near misses, workers provide data on potential hazards and identify risks before accidents occur. It is a preemptive strategy, alerting management and workers about actions to avoid so someone elses near miss doesnt become an injury or accident.

Engaging workers about near misses and educating them on proper reporting is the easiest way to maximize safety. In a 2011 talk at the National Safety Council Congress & Exposition, professional safety strategist Phillip La Duke shared the top reasons workers fail to report near misses. He stressed that fear of admitting mistakes and facing repercussions is the least crucial factor. The other reasons workers do not report near-misses are:

Embarrassment: Although workers usually do not fear serious consequences for a near miss, a stigma still comes with making on-the-job mistakes. Many also feel internal pressure not to appear foolish and keep their near misses private.

Confusion: Even if workers want to report near misses, complicated paperwork and unclear directions may dissuade them.

Company Rules: Employees may want to avoid the bureaucratic intervention that follows the paperwork filing. Some companies enforce meetings or long reporting processes that employees prefer to skip.

Environment: If a workplace stresses safety but does not include near-miss reporting as part of the plan, workers may feel they are derailing safety progress.

Reputation: Workers do not want to be seen as overly reactive or accident-prone. If reporting near misses is not encouraged, they may not want to come off as too sensitive by filing reports.

Ease: Its just easier not to file a report when no actual incident has occurred. Workers may not realize the importance of near-miss reporting to overall safety.

Company Uninterest: This informs many other points on the list. If the company or responsible person seems not to care, the workers will have no incentive to care.

Perception of Pointlessness: If the company does not make an issue of small accidents, workers will not think near misses are important because their possible repercussions are indefinite.

Near-miss reporting is a key part of ensuring workplace safety, Selzer emphasized. It shares information on potential hazards before accidents or injuries occur, making the entire workplace safer. A company must prize near-miss reporting as one of the most important ways to develop a safer environment, she said. So, its worth taking the time to identify any possible changes in your near-miss reporting process.