WORKSHOP Chapter 7 - Why Near Misses Are Not Reported

Complete the QUIZ below by ranking the importance of each barrier:

Relative
Barrier to Getting Near Misses Reported
Ranking
No incentive to report near misses

An apparently high level of effort is required to report and to investigate

near misses compared to low return on this investment
Fear of disciplinary action

Lack of management commitment (no training provided on investigation

techniques and procedures) and lack of follow-through once a near miss is
reported (time is not allocated to investigate near misses, or corrective
actions not implemented)
Company discourages near-miss reporting due to fear of legal liability if
these are misused by outsiders.
Fear of teasing by peers (embarrassment)

Disincentives for reporting near misses (e.g., reporting near misses hurts
the department's safety performance [as measured versus incident rates]
and reduces safety-related bonuses/perks)
Not knowing which accident investigation system to use.

Lack of understanding of what constitutes a near miss versus a non-

incident