Scout's Toolbox Talks

Incident Reporting and Investigation

Toolbox Talk:

Encouraging Near-Miss Reporting to Prevent Future Incidents

June 27, 2025

A near-miss is a warning sign — a free lesson that something could have gone very wrong but didn’t… this time.

Why It Matters:

Every near-miss is a chance to fix a problem before it turns into a serious injury or fatality. If we ignore them, we lose the opportunity to make the jobsite safer for everyone.

Key Points:

  • Near-misses are valuable. They reveal hidden hazards and system weaknesses.
  • Reporting isn’t punishment. It’s about prevention, not blame.
  • Make it easy to report. Use simple forms, anonymous options, or verbal reporting if needed.
  • Act on what’s reported. Crews are more likely to report if they see improvements being made.
  • Review reports with the team. Share lessons learned to help everyone stay alert.

✅ Near-misses are free warnings. Let’s not waste them.

Ask the Crew:

  • Have we had any close calls recently?
  • Do we feel comfortable reporting near-misses without fear of blame?