Which of the following best describes a 'near miss' incident?

A 'near miss' incident refers to a situation where an incident could have resulted in injury or damage but did not, primarily due to luck or intervention that prevented the potential outcome. This type of incident is significant in safety management because it serves as a warning sign that conditions or behaviors in the workplace may be unsafe and could lead to serious accidents in the future if not addressed. Identifying and analyzing near misses can help organizations improve their safety practices, implement preventive measures, and create a culture of safety awareness.

In contrast, incidents that result in injury or property damage are categorized differently since they have tangible consequences, whereas a near miss is characterized by the absence of actual harm despite the potential for it. Reporting a near miss to OSHA is not a requisite; rather, these incidents often go unreported unless a system is in place to encourage such documentation for learning purposes.