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 at x4554
- and your
Directorate
ESH Coordinator or the equivalent person
at the
group/department level.
These people should then contact the proper
person on the
ESH Program List
.
- Share at least general information
about the event with your
ESH Coordinator or the
Head ESH Coordinator. They will then try 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!
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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