Scout's Toolbox Talks

Incident Reporting and Investigation

Toolbox Talk:

Report Every Incident — Even Near Misses

June 27, 2025

Accidents don’t always cause injuries — but every unsafe event is worth reporting.

Why It Matters:

Near misses and minor incidents are warning signs. Reporting them helps identify hazards before someone gets seriously hurt. A strong safety culture depends on transparency and quick response, not fear of blame.

Key Points:

  • Report immediately. Delays can lead to lost details and greater risks.
  • Include near misses. Incidents without injury or damage still reveal safety gaps.
  • Be honest and specific. Describe what happened, where, and why — even if it was just a close call.
  • Use the right channels. Know who to report to and how to fill out required forms.
  • Follow up. Learn from what happened and confirm that corrections are made.

✅ Reporting isn’t tattling — it’s protecting the crew.

Ask the Crew:

  • Do you know how to report an incident or near miss?
  • Have we ever had a near miss we didn’t talk about? Why?
  • What could we learn if we reviewed more of them together?