Page 745 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 270

20 October 2011

Potential Incident or Near Miss – what’s the Difference?

Please find attached very useful guidance generated by Paul Burrows of Artelia.

The simple illustration below is an excellent way of depicting what some customers
refer to as either “Hazard Spots or Potential Incidents”.

I am pleased to confirm that at Xmo Strata we have identified more than 750 of these
since 2004 along with 140 of the more serious Near Misses that generally result from a
potential hazard that hasn’t been addressed.

Currently, we have eliminated the risk totally in more than 400 instances, controlled and

reduced the risk in more than 100 cases and brought the risk to the responsible person’s
attention in many other cases.

Risk management is a big step towards accident prevention; however, it is dependent on the risk firstly
being identified, then controlled. We need safety awareness to be instinctive and form an integral part
of both our working and home lives; it is this, in turn, that may save the lives of others. Remember: if
shared, risks can be mitigated before they pose a threat.

If you have any queries regarding the Safety Bulletin content or require further information please
contact any staff member of Xmo Strata Ltd.