What is the value of tracking near misses for proactive safety management?

• A. It has little value.
• B. It only increases paperwork.
• C. It helps identify hazards and prevent future incidents by addressing conditions before they cause harm.
• D. It delays corrective actions.

Answer: (C)

Tracking near misses is valuable because near misses reveal hazards and weaknesses in what we’re doing before anyone is harmed. When these events are recorded and analyzed, patterns emerge about how and where failures occur—whether in processes, equipment, or human factors. That insight lets teams implement corrective and preventive controls early, reducing the chance of an actual incident later. It also supports ongoing risk assessment, helps prioritize safety improvements, and builds a learning culture focused on prevention rather than blame. If someone suggested it just adds paperwork or delays actions, remember that the real benefit comes from using the data to address conditions that could cause harm, so actions are taken promptly to close gaps and prevent recurrence.