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Close Call Process

owned by the Operating Safety Committee

What is a close call?

A “close call” is an unplanned incident that does not cause personal injury, property damage, or release to the environment; but under the other circumstances could have easily done so.

If you find yourself making one of the following statements, you might be viewing a close call:

  • "I almost had an accident, but didn’t."
  • "Wow! That was close."
  • "That could have easily hurt someone."

A close call can also be defined as a warning. It is estimated that for every 10 reported minor injuries there are 30 property damage accidents and 600 close call incidents. (ILCI 1990)

Why is reporting close calls important?

To collect and share information on incidents that could have resulted in an injury, property damage, or release to the environment will allow us to identify and trend conditions that aid in the prevention of a similar occurrence. With our communication, a similar occurrence can be prevented.

How do I report a close call?

  • If you witness or participate in an event which compromises or threatens to compromise the health and safety of a person or the environment, please notify
     - your supervisor,
     - the ESH Safety Contact (x4554)
     - and your Directorate ES&H Coordinator or the equivalent person at the group/department level.
    These people should then contact the proper person on the ES&H Resource List or the Occurrence Reporting Processing System (ORPS) Program Manager at Ext. 3603.
  • Share at least general information about the event with your OSC representative or the OSC Chair (Ext. 2954). Anonymity of involved persons shall be encouraged (including your identity when the event is discussed), and only OSC members will receive the details of each case, which they will then use to heighten awareness in their own groups by various means (e.g., department safety meetings, one-on-one with workers or supervisors, etc.). Your ideas about how to prevent such an event in the future are welcomed!
  • In June and December of each year, the OSC Chair will review the trends of any submitted events with the Close Call Subcommittee and do one or all of the following: update membership at following OSC meeting; invite a Subject Matter Expert to discuss suggestions for lessening recurrent risks; submit a column for Interaction Point to highlight area(s) of concern.

What are some examples of close calls?

Occupational

  • Employees discover water dripping through the roof and onto an energized electrical motor.
  • An employee working on an eight-foot ladder leaned beyond her center of gravity and fell off; she landed on her feet and did not sustain any injuries.
  • A forklift was left running and in gear as the operator stepped off the lift. The lift coasted forward two feet and stopped when it contacted the wall.
  • A contractor with no fall protection was working on the edge of a roof that has a 35-foot drop.

Environmental

  • A secondary containment is nearly full of rainwater.
  • Stockpiled soil that is not covered during the rainy season.
  • Untrained personnel are handling stockpiles of uncharacterized (for lead and PCB) soil.
  • Construction activity not evaluated for inclusion under the new Tier II permit.
  • An air pollution control device fails, but there is no release.

Can you think of some other examples? Discuss it with your group at your next safety meeting. Help us learn from our mistakes.

Increased Safety Through Better Communication

 

 


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