In the dynamic and high-risk industries that rely on rope access and working at heights, every opportunity to enhance safety is invaluable. Near-miss reporting is one such opportunity that holds immense potential for transforming safety practices and reducing incidents. Despite its importance, low levels of near-miss reporting among organisations significantly limit the ability to identify hazards and prevent accidents.

Under-reporting, including ‘near misses’, was one of five key areas IRATA International identified in its recent 2024 WASA Report. It’s been a key area of concern for over a decade. We’ve touched on under-reporting in a previous article, found here.

So how can companies address the prolific under-reporting happening in the rope access industry? In particular – the near misses that occur.

By fostering a culture of openness and proactive communication companies can unlock the full potential of near-miss reporting to safeguard their workforce and improve overall operational safety.

So what is a near miss? A near miss, often referred to as a “close call,” is an unplanned event that could have resulted in an incident but did not, either by chance or timely intervention. These events provide critical insights into underlying risks and potential system failures that might otherwise go unnoticed. Reporting and analysing near misses allow organisations to address issues proactively before they escalate into actual incidents, creating a safer and more resilient working environment.

Recognizing the importance of this practice, IRATA’s ‘Report a Problem. Prevent a Fatality’ campaign is an industry-leading initiative aimed at encouraging incident and near-miss reporting.

This campaign seeks to foster a learning environment where members are empowered to identify risks, share their experiences, and collectively improve safety standards. By promoting a culture of accountability and learning, the initiative helps transform near-miss events into valuable lessons that can benefit the entire industry.

Near-miss reports are not just internal tools for individual companies but also serve as critical resources for industry-wide learning. When members report near misses, they contribute to a shared knowledge base that enables organizations like IRATA to produce topic sheets and safety bulletins. These materials disseminate pertinent lessons learned to the broader community, ensuring that best practices and preventive measures reach as many practitioners as possible.

The benefits of robust near-miss reporting systems are far-reaching. Beyond immediate hazard identification, they help build trust among employees by demonstrating that their observations and concerns are valued. This trust encourages more open communication, which in turn enhances overall safety culture. Additionally, analysing near-miss data can reveal recurring patterns, guiding the development of targeted training programs, equipment improvements, and procedural changes.

However, achieving high levels of near-miss reporting requires overcoming certain barriers. Fear of blame or repercussions often deters employees from reporting incidents. To address this, organisations must cultivate a non-punitive reporting environment where the focus is on learning and improvement rather than assigning fault. Providing clear reporting mechanisms, offering training on recognizing and documenting near misses, and celebrating the proactive identification of hazards can further bolster participation.

As IRATA’s campaign highlights, the path to a safer industry begins with every member’s commitment to identifying and addressing risks. By harnessing the power of near-miss reporting, companies can not only prevent accidents but also foster a culture of continuous improvement. Together, we can transform near misses from missed opportunities into powerful tools for progress, ensuring a safer future for all who work at height.

Yours in Safety

Deborah Chick

Ascend QM CEO