Near Miss

Term from Risk Management industry explained for recruiters

A Near Miss is a workplace event that could have resulted in an injury, accident, or safety incident but fortunately did not. Think of it as a "close call" or "near accident." Risk Management professionals use Near Miss reporting to identify potential hazards before they cause real accidents. It's like catching small problems before they become big ones. Similar terms include "close call reporting" or "near hit incident." This is a crucial part of workplace safety programs and helps companies prevent future accidents by learning from these warning signs.

Examples in Resumes

Developed and implemented Near Miss reporting system that increased safety awareness by 45%

Led monthly safety meetings analyzing Near Miss incidents to prevent future accidents

Created digital Near Miss tracking database that improved incident reporting by 60%

Managed company-wide Near-Miss reporting program across 5 locations

Typical job title: "Safety Managers"

Also try searching for:

Safety Coordinator Risk Management Specialist EHS Manager Safety Officer Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Risk Assessment Manager HSE Coordinator

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you implement a Near Miss reporting program in a company that has never had one?

Expected Answer: The answer should cover creating a reporting system, training employees, ensuring confidentiality, establishing investigation procedures, and demonstrating how to use the data to prevent accidents.

Q: How do you measure the success of a Near Miss program?

Expected Answer: Look for mentions of tracking reporting rates, employee participation, reduction in actual incidents, identification of hazard patterns, and improvements made based on reports.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the key elements of an effective Near Miss investigation?

Expected Answer: Should discuss gathering facts, interviewing witnesses, identifying root causes, recommending corrective actions, and following up to ensure implementation.

Q: How do you encourage employees to report Near Misses?

Expected Answer: Should mention creating a no-blame culture, making reporting easy and accessible, providing feedback, recognizing participation, and demonstrating management commitment.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is a Near Miss and why is it important to report them?

Expected Answer: Should explain that it's an event that could have caused harm but didn't, and that reporting helps prevent future accidents by identifying and addressing hazards early.

Q: What information should be included in a Near Miss report?

Expected Answer: Should mention date, time, location, description of event, potential consequences, contributing factors, and suggested preventive measures.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic incident reporting
  • Safety documentation
  • Hazard identification
  • Basic safety training

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Incident investigation
  • Safety program implementation
  • Employee training development
  • Data analysis and trending

Senior (5+ years)

  • Program development and management
  • Risk assessment strategies
  • Safety culture leadership
  • Corporate safety policy development

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No understanding of basic safety concepts
  • Lack of experience with safety reporting systems
  • Poor communication skills
  • No knowledge of safety regulations and compliance
  • Inability to demonstrate investigation experience

Related Terms