A near miss, "near hit", "close call", or "nearly a collision" is an unplanned event that has the potential to cause, but does not actually result in human injury, environmental or equipment damage, or an interruption to normal operation.

OSHA defines a near miss as an incident in which no property was damaged and no personal injury was sustained, but where, given a slight shift in time or position, damage or injury easily could have occurred. Near misses also may be referred to as close calls, near accidents, accident precursors, injury-free events and, in the case of moving objects, near collisions.

A near miss is often an error, with harm prevented by other considerations and circumstances.

The phrase "near miss" should not be confused with the phrase "nearly a miss" which would imply a collision.

Unsafe Act - Performance of a task or other activity that is conducted in a manner that may threaten the health and/or safety of workers. For example: Lack of or improper use of PPE; Failure to tagout/lockout; Operating equipment at unsafe speed; Failure to warn people in the area of work activity; Bypass or removal of safety devices; Using defective equipment; Use of tools for other than their intended purpose; Working in hazardous locations without adequate protection or warning; Improper repair of equipment; Horseplay.

Unsafe Condition - A condition in the work place that is likely to cause property damage or injury. For example: Defective tools, equipment, or supplies; Inadequate supports or guards; Inadequate warning systems; Fire and explosion hazards; Poor housekeeping; Uneven walking surfaces; Excessive noise; Poor ventilation;

What is considered a safety hazard?

Any unsafe behavior or condition that could lead to an injury of a person or property damage if the behavior or condition is not corrected.