Free download
Free near miss report form and log
Record near misses quickly and consistently with a simple form, then track every one in a near miss log so you can spot repeat hazards.
Download the template
Near miss log (Excel or Sheets)
Track near misses in one spreadsheet, one row per report.
Download CSVFree to use, no sign-up needed.
What the template includes
13 fields in 4 sections.
Details
- Date
- Time
- Exact location
- Reported by (optional)
What happened
- Describe what happened
- What could have happened?
- People nearby or involved (if any)
The hazard
- What was the hazard?
- Immediate action taken (for example, area cordoned off)
Follow-up
- Is it a RIDDOR dangerous occurrence? (Yes / No) and HSE reference if reported
- Why did it happen?
- Actions to prevent it, with owner and date
- Reviewed by (name and date)
How to use the template
- A near miss is an event that did not cause harm but could have. Report every one, however minor.
- Fill in the form straight away and make the area safe first.
- Describe both what happened and what could have happened.
- Some near misses are dangerous occurrences that must be reported to the HSE under RIDDOR. Check with the free RIDDOR checker at useaccidentbook.co.uk/riddor-checker.
- Use the near miss log to track reports and spot repeat hazards.
- Never blame the person who reports a near miss. Reporting is how you prevent accidents.
What counts as a near miss?
Anything that could have hurt someone but did not: a slip that someone recovered from, a falling object that landed in an empty aisle, or a vehicle that nearly hit a pedestrian. Read our guide to near miss definitions and examples, and check whether an event is a reportable dangerous occurrence with the free RIDDOR checker.
Make near miss reporting take seconds
People report near misses when it is quick. With Accident Book, staff scan a QR code, tap “near miss” and describe what happened. £9.99 per site per month, 7-day free trial.
Frequently asked questions
What is a near miss report?+
A near miss report records an event that could have caused injury or damage but did not, so the hazard can be fixed before someone is hurt.
Do near misses have to be reported to the HSE?+
Most do not. Only dangerous occurrences, which are specific events listed in Schedule 2 of RIDDOR, must be reported to the HSE even when nobody is hurt.
Should near miss reports be anonymous?+
Allowing anonymous reports can encourage people to speak up, which is why the reporter’s name is optional on this form. Named reports are easier to follow up, so many organisations allow both.
What should a near miss log include?+
The date, time and location, what happened and what could have happened, the hazard, immediate action taken, the cause, follow-up actions with an owner and date, and who reviewed it.