The Psychology of Near Misse
The Hidden Dangers of 'Almost'
We often breathe a sigh of relief after a near miss, thinking, 'That was close!' But what if these 'close calls' are actually flashing warning signs? Understanding the psychology behind why we often ignore near misses is crucial for creating a safer environment, especially in the workplace. This post explores the dangers of brushing off near misses, the biases that cloud our judgment, and how to cultivate a proactive safety culture.
A near miss is defined as an unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, or damage – but had the potential to do so. Think of it as a warning shot fired across the bow before a major incident.Ignoring these warnings is like playing a dangerous game of chance.