Icologiq Knowledge · Event
Near Miss
An event that did not result in injury, damage or loss but had the potential to do so under slightly different circumstances.
Also known as:
close call, near-miss incident
At a glance
Type
Event
Topic
Incident Management
Applies to
Tank Terminals & Chemicals, Food & Agriculture
Current version
Status
Last reviewed
September 14, 2026
Definition
A near miss is an unplanned event where harmful consequences were avoided, often by chance or timely intervention. Recording and reviewing near misses can provide an early signal of hazards and control weaknesses before a more serious incident occurs.
Why it matters
Near-miss reporting is especially relevant for HSE and operational audiences and supports the prevention-oriented positioning of incident management.
An unplanned event or condition that resulted in, or could contribute to, harm, loss, nonconformance or operational disruption.
Incident
Event
· Incident Management
The structured process for reporting, assessing, investigating, following up and learning from incidents and related events.
Incident Management
Process
· Incident Management
Explore further
Related knowledge
Explore related standards, processes and quality-management concepts.
EVT-005
An event that did not result in injury, damage or loss but had the potential to do so under slightly different circumstances.
A near miss is an unplanned event where harmful consequences were avoided, often by chance or timely intervention. Recording and reviewing near misses can provide an early signal of hazards and control weaknesses before a more serious incident occurs.