Practical Tips for Encouraging Near-Miss Reporting and Turning Data into Safety Improvements

One of the biggest barriers to near-miss reporting is fear: fear of blame, fear of punishment, or fear of appearing careless. Leadership can shift this mindset by making it clear that reporting isn’t about assigning fault—it’s about keeping everyone safe. Use phrases like, “We learn from every close call,” and “Reporting is about protecting each other.”

If the reporting process is too complicated, it can discourage field workers from participating. Make sure your reporting is quick, clear, and accessible. Short forms, mobile apps, and even photos or field notes can capture essential details in real time. Reinforce that even small reports matter.

It’s equally important to close the feedback loop. When workers don’t see how their reports are used, they’re less likely to continue reporting. Show how near-miss data leads to real changes in safety practices, updated gear, or improved procedures. Recognize those who consistently provide thoughtful reports.

Integrate near-miss lessons directly into training. These real-world scenarios make safety classes more relevant and memorable. Use them in toolbox talks or highlight them during emergency drills.

Lastly, lead by example. Supervisors and managers set the tone for safety culture. When they report near misses and talk openly about them, it sets the expectation for the entire team.

Near-miss reporting isn’t just a policy—it’s a powerful tool to protect your people. At ERTI, we use these real-world insights in every Hazmat, HAZWOPER, and confined space training program. Our goal is to make sure your team doesn’t just pass a test—they’re truly ready when it matters.

Learn more about how we build a culture of safety at www.ertitraining.com or email jberger@ertitraining.com.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Mail

Training the Trainers: Why Safety Leadership Starts with Who’s Teaching

September 1, 2025

From Compliance to Confidence: How Safety Training Builds Better Teams

July 31, 2025

From Compliance to Confidence: How Safety Training Builds Better Teams When it comes to workplace safety, most companies think of training as a box to check—an obligation to meet legal requirements and avoid citations. But at ERTI, we believe safety training is so much more than compliance. It's the foundation of confidence, trust, and team performance. Beyond the Bare Minimum Yes, OSHA compliance matters. But relying on the minimum standard doesn’t build a resilient team—it just keeps you legal. True leadership invests in hands-on, scenario-based training that prepares employees not just to pass an inspection, but to protect lives, make fast decisions, and look out for one another. That’s where the real transformation begins. The Shift: Compliance → Confidence We’ve seen it time and time again. A crew enters training with the mindset of “just getting it done.” But after a few hours of engaging with real-life scenarios—whether it's confined space entry, fall protection, or fire safety—they leave with something more: Confidence in their skills Respect for the risks they face A new understanding of their role in keeping everyone safe And that confidence doesn’t just stay on the jobsite—it spills into how they lead, how they support each other, and how they handle challenges. Why Confidence Matters A confident team is a proactive team. Instead of waiting for an emergency to reveal gaps in readiness, confident workers speak up, take initiative, and act quickly under pressure. They don’t just react—they respond with clarity and purpose. That saves time. That saves money. Most importantly, that saves lives. Invest in Your People, Not Just Your Policy ERTI’s mission is to help organizations go beyond checkbox training. Our instructors bring decades of field experience, teaching from real-world situations—not just manuals. Whether it’s construction, utilities, or industrial operations, we help you build teams that are ready, resilient, and proud of what they know. Ready to Shift Your Safety Culture? Start with a training that goes beyond the rulebook. Start with ERTI.