Reporting Incidents & Near Misses

Near Misses

A near miss is an unplanned event or situation that could have resulted in injury, illness, or damage but did not. It's a "close call" or “lucky escape” that serves as a critical warning sign, offering a valuable opportunity to identify and address hazards. Near misses are leading indicators that may point to underlying safety issues that can be addressed and improved before an accident occurs. 

Reporting near misses is an educational opportunity for our field research community to share lessons learned. Fieldwork is inherently dispersed and varied in geographic location, activities, and conditions, and often requires troubleshooting and making decisions in the field due to changing conditions and unforeseen challenges. Reporting near misses provides a mechanism to communicate and learn from “close calls” and situations that could have led to an injury, illness, equipment failure, property damage, or other form of harm. Encouraging the reporting and analysis of near misses promotes a culture where faculty, staff and students are proactive about safety and contribute to a safer learning environment.

The UC Field Safety community is piloting a Near Miss Reporting Form that you can use to report near-misses to the University and aid in reflection about the event. In addition, it is recommended that you keep physical Near Miss forms in the field  that any member of your crew can use (see example below). Reviewing near misses often, as a group, allows for us to learn and improve our safety plans without experiencing any injuries.  

Parts of above text were taken from the UC Field Safety Near Miss Reporting Document.

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Reporting 

While it is the responsibility of the project lead to report incidents and near-misses, anyone on the project may experience and want to report instances of sexual and gender-based violence. It is important to provide resources to everyone participating related to what reporting paths are available to them.  The following  pathways and resources are specific to the Berkeley area. When traveling, identify the local version of these resources and include the reporting pathways in your FSP. 

UC Berkeley Reporting Paths

1. Reporting to UC Berkeley (anonymous and non-anonymous reporting options)

To report a violation of campus policy involving sexual violence, sexual harassment, dating or domestic violence, stalking, and/or invasion of privacy (SVSH), contact the UC Berkeley Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD)

1. 1. • Email: ask_ophd@berkeley.edu

      • Phone: 510-643-7985 

      • *New* You may also make a report online to OPHD through their reporting webform

2. Reporting to Law Enforcement (non-anonymous reporting)

To report a crime involving sexual violence, dating or domestic violence, stalking, and/or invasion of privacy (SVSH) that occurred on University property, contact the University of California Police Department (UCPD)

2. 1. • 1 Sproul Hall

      • 24/7 emergency line & TTY: 510-642-3333

      • 24/7 non-emergency line: 510-642-6760

To report a crime involving SVSH that occurred somewhere else besides University property, contact the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction at that location. Here are a few nearby police departments:

2. 1. • City of Berkeley Police Department

      • City of Oakland Police Department

Sexual Assault: 510-637-0298

2. 1. • City of Albany Police Department

3. Path to CARE and related confidential resources without formal reporting

PATH to Care Advocacy Appointments

Available to UC Berkeley students, staff, and faculty impacted by SVSH.

Call: (510) 642-1988

Email: ptcadvocates@berkeley.edu 

Urgent Same-Day Counseling for Students in Crisis

UHS Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers same-day support.

Call: (510) 642-9494 (Monday through Friday from 8am–5pm)

After Hours Support Line: (855) 817-5667

Social Services in University Health Services (UHS): Provides free individual, confidential group counseling and consultation for students. Phone: 510-642-6074. For after-hours mental health consultation or crisis resource referrals, please call 855-817-5667.

Be Well at Work/Employee Assistance: Free, confidential problem assessment and referral for UC Berkeley faculty, staff, visiting scholars, and postdocs. for UC Berkeley staff, faculty, visiting scholars, and postdoctoral appointees. Phone: 510-643-7754.

The Ombuds Office for Students and Postdoctoral Appointees: A neutral and confidential resource for navigating informal and formal options. 

Phone: 510-642-5754. 

Staff Ombuds Office: Provides confidential impartial and informal conflict resolution and problem-solving services for all staff, non-senate academics, and faculty who perform management functions. 

Faculty Ombuds: The Faculty Ombuds role is a confidential, informal, impartial resource for faculty experiencing work-related problems and conflicts. Phone: 510-642-8788. 

4. Seek additional confidential resources in the community 

Sexual Assault Response and Recovery Team (SARRT) in Alameda County: Hospital-based trauma-informed care for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. 24/7 Hotline: 510-534-9290. 

Family Violence Law Center (FVLC) in Alameda County: Support and legal assistance for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. 24/7 Crisis Line: 800-947-8301.

RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800.656.HOPE, online chat, text HOPE to 64673

The National Domestic Violence Hotline: Text "START" to 88788 or chat online