Policy Statement
The Near Miss Policy aims to establish procedures for reporting, investigating, and addressing near misses within Oil Analysis Laboratories. A near miss is an unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, or damage but had the potential to do so. This policy is designed to enhance workplace safety and prevent future incidents.
Scope
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and interns working at Oil Analysis Laboratories.
Objectives
- To encourage the reporting of near misses as a proactive measure for improving safety.
- To investigate the root causes of near misses to prevent future incidents.
- To comply with industry safety standards and regulations.
Procedures
Reporting
- Immediate Reporting: All near misses must be reported immediately to your line manager.
- Anonymous Reporting: An anonymous reporting channel should be available for those who wish to report without disclosing their identity. Since handwriting can be recognised, the staff are encouraged to generate a disposable email account and email the lab with their concerns to establish true anonymity. However, this should be a last resort as the lab operates a zero blame culture, hence the need for this process should be seldom needed.
Investigation
- Preliminary Assessment: An initial assessment should be conducted to determine the severity and potential impact of the near miss.
- Root Cause Analysis: Investigate the root cause of the near miss, involving relevant personnel and departments.
Corrective Actions
- Immediate Measures: Implement immediate corrective actions to mitigate risks and prevent recurrence.
- Long-Term Solutions: Develop and implement long-term solutions based on the root cause analysis findings.
Documentation
- Incident Log: Maintain a log of all reported near misses, investigations, and corrective actions taken.
- Review and Analysis: Periodically review the incident log to identify trends and areas for improvement.
By adhering to this Near Miss Policy, Oil Analysis Laboratories aims to foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement, thereby protecting its employees and maintaining operational excellence.
