# Reporting near misses

URL: https://hardhatbinder.com/en/toolbox-talks/near-miss-reporting
Last updated: 2026-10-23

A near miss is when something almost goes wrong and nobody gets hurt this time. A dropped tool that lands next to someone, a ladder that slips, a truck backing up that almost hits a worker. Each one is a free warning, and if we report it, we can fix the problem before someone gets hurt.

## Key points

1. If something almost hurts you or someone else, tell me or your lead the same day. Don't wait until the end of the week.
2. Report what happened, where, and what caused it. Simple facts are enough, no need for a long story.
3. If the hazard is still there, make it safe if you can, or block it off and warn others before you go report it.
4. Nobody gets in trouble for reporting a near miss. We are looking for the cause, not someone to blame.
5. Report small things too, like a loose guardrail, an unsecured load, or a cord in a walkway. Small problems lead to big injuries.
6. If you see a coworker have a close call, check on them and make sure it gets reported, even if they say it was nothing.
7. When we fix something because of your report, we will tell the crew, so everyone learns from it.

## Talk it over

- What close call have you seen on this job that never got reported?
- What keeps people from reporting near misses here, and how can we make it easier?
- Where on this site do you think the next near miss is most likely to happen?

> **Remember:** A near miss is a warning. Report it today so nobody gets hurt tomorrow.

## Official sources

- [29 CFR 1926.20](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.20) — General safety and health provisions

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Source: HardHat Binder, operated by Leadspire LLC. Templates to be reviewed by a competent person before use; not legal advice; not affiliated with OSHA.