# Learn from near misses

Duration: 66.90 seconds

## 00:00:00.000 — When nobody was injured

On screen: The near miss still matters

A threatening incident can end without injury and still reveal a serious gap. Reporting what nearly happened gives the team a chance to improve the response.

## 00:00:11.100 — Describe the event

On screen: Record facts while they are fresh

Note the time, location, behaviour and relevant circumstances through the workplace process. Include what support was requested and whether it arrived as expected.

## 00:00:23.367 — Identify the gap

On screen: Look beyond individual blame

Consider the environment, staffing, communication and the way work was organised. A blocked route or an unanswered call needs a practical response, even when nobody was hurt.

## 00:00:36.800 — Recognise what helped

On screen: Keep effective measures

Record what helped the situation settle or allowed people to reach safety. The review can strengthen those measures as well as address what failed.

## 00:00:46.833 — Agree an improvement

On screen: Make the action specific

Choose a clear change, an owner and a date for checking it. Tell the affected team what has been agreed so the report does not disappear.

## 00:00:56.267 — Today's action

On screen: Report the warning sign

Think of a recent close call that was never formally discussed. Use the appropriate reporting route and ask what can be learned from it.

## Sources

- [OSHA: Preventing Workplace Violence — A Roadmap for Healthcare Facilities](https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/OSHA3827.pdf)
- [HSE: Advice for workers on violence in the workplace](https://www.hse.gov.uk/violence/worker/index.htm)