A Near Miss

"I believe life is a series of near misses. A lot of what we ascribe to luck is not luck at all. It's seizing the day and accepting responsibility for your future. It's seeing what other people don't see And pursuing that vision." ~ Howard Schultz

"It's real easy to sit on your couch and point fingers and say, 'So-and-so did something wrong...'. But until you are out there in these cars at these speeds and seeing all the near-misses and what is really going on, it is not worth forming an opinion." ~ Jimmie Johnson

Understanding the nature of a "near miss" on a job site is essential for us.

A near miss is an unplanned event that had the potential to cause injury, illness, or damage but was avoided—either by luck or swift intervention.

These moments may appear insignificant, but they hold the keys to our future control over risk and chaos.

We can classify near misses as minor or critical.

A minor near miss might be as simple as one of us tripping over a cable but regaining balance before falling.

On the other hand, a critical near miss carries the weight of life and death. Imagine a steel beam swinging wildly from a crane, barely missing us below. One step closer, and the outcome would have been catastrophic.

True power lies in our ability to master the unseen forces that create risk, not in waiting for disaster to strike.

Reporting near misses is a strategic move that allows us to seize control of potential threats. It empowers us to prevent future harm, sharpen safety protocols, and foster a proactive culture where we report hazards without fear.

The wise among us understand that both minor and critical near misses are opportunities to strengthen our position, turning moments of vulnerability into lessons in control.