What does the term 'near miss' refer to?

The term 'near miss' refers to an incident that, while not resulting in injury or damage, had the potential to cause harm or loss. This concept is crucial in health and safety practices because it highlights situations that could lead to more serious incidents if not addressed. Recognizing near misses allows organizations to identify weaknesses in safety protocols and take proactive measures to prevent actual accidents from occurring in the future. By focusing on these incidents, employers can foster a safer working environment and possibly save lives.

In contrast to the other options, which describe various levels of incidents involving injury or damage, the essence of a near miss lies in its potential for harm without actual injury or damage occurring. A minor injury needing no medical attention does not align with the concept of a near miss, as it results in an injury, albeit minor. Similarly, non-compliance with safety protocols denotes a breach in procedure but does not capture the essence of a near miss if no incident occurs. Lastly, an event that results in damage but no injuries does not qualify as a near miss, since it has already caused damage, whereas a near miss is about incidents that just narrowly avoid harm.