Near Miss Reporting
At UW–Madison, your safety matters. Every day, our community works in labs, shops, classrooms, and mechanical rooms. When a trip hazard, falling object, or unexpected spark happens without causing harm, that’s a near miss — and a critical opportunity to prevent a real accident next time.
See something unsafe? Say something. Do something. Report it.
What is a near miss?
A near miss, also called a “close call,” is an unplanned event that did not cause injury or property damage — but easily could have under slightly different circumstances.
What are common examples of a near miss?
- A heavy object falls off a high shelf and lands inches from a worker.
- You slip on an unmarked wet floor but manage to catch yourself before falling.
- A hazardous chemical container tips over on a workbench but fails to break or spill.
Why should I report a near miss?
- Prevent Serious Injuries: Most major incidents are preceded by unreported close calls. Fix problems before someone gets hurt.
- Identify Hidden Hazards: Reporting reveals overlooked risks in daily operations.
- Improve Campus Safety: Feedback directly drives improvements in facility design, equipment, procedures, and safety training.
- Build Safety Culture: Speaking up shows that protecting our community is a shared responsibility.
How do I submit a Near Miss Report?
Obtain the official Near Miss Report document.
Fill out the report as soon as possible alongside your supervisor, detailing:
- What happened
- Where it happened
- Potential consequences
Email the completed form directly to Environmental Health & Safety (EHS).
Contact EHS by phone at 608-265-5000.
When in doubt, should I report?
If you are unsure whether an event qualifies as a near miss, submit it anyway.
Taking a few minutes today can prevent a severe injury tomorrow.