Why is it critical to report near-miss incidents in the shop?

Reporting near-miss incidents is critical because it plays a vital role in identifying potential hazards within the shop environment, which can lead to proactive measures being taken to prevent future accidents. Near-misses serve as valuable learning opportunities; they provide insights into unsafe conditions or behaviors before they result in actual injuries or damages. By analyzing these incidents, management and employees can collaboratively implement safety improvements, amend procedures, or enhance training programs, ultimately creating a safer workplace for everyone. This proactive approach aligns with the core principles of safety management, which emphasize prevention over reaction.