ABSTRACT
In reviewing the near-miss events, the keyword is potential. What did the event have the capacity to do under slightly different circumstances? Near-miss incidents are early warnings of potential problems. The potential (capacity for accidental loss) is what should determine which of these near-miss incidents should be investigated, as well as the level of the investigation required.
The most important aspect of a near-miss incident is the quantification and ranking of the incident’s degree of potential. A simple method of ranking the potential of a near-miss incident is to ask the following questions:
Assessing the potential of a near-miss incident gives a clear indication of the event’s potential so that investigations can be prioritized. Using a simple risk matrix, each near-miss’s potential can be ranked, and consequent investigations and follow-up actions prioritized. Near-miss incidents should be treated as friendly warnings.
