In care work, we often focus on incidents that actually cause harm. But some of the most valuable lessons come from situations where something nearly went wrong but didn’t.

These are called “near misses.”

A near miss is any event that could have resulted in injury, harm, or a safeguarding issue — but didn’t, either by luck or quick action.

Many carers overlook them because “nothing actually happened.”
In reality, near misses are some of the most important things to record.

A near miss is an event where harm was narrowly avoided.

Examples might include:

• A client almost falling but being caught in time

• Medication almost given incorrectly but spotted before administration

• Hot water running too hot before a client enters the bath

• A loose rug noticed before the client trips

• A client nearly leaving the house alone at night

No injury occurred — but the risk was real.

Prevention of Future Harm

A near miss often reveals a hidden risk in the environment or routine.

Examples:

• Lighting too dim in a hallway

• Medication packaging causing confusion

• Mobility equipment positioned incorrectly

Recording it allows the issue to be fixed before someone is hurt.

One near miss might be chance.

But three similar near misses might reveal a bigger problem.

For example:

• Multiple near falls near the same chair

• Medication confusion during agency handovers

• Repeated night wandering

Without recording them, these patterns are easily missed.

Documentation protects carers.

If something later does go wrong, your notes show:

• You identified risks early

• You reported them

• You took action to reduce them

This demonstrates professional diligence.

Improving Care Plans

Near misses often highlight that a care plan needs updating.

For example:

• A client now needs supervision when walking

• Medication routines need clearer documentation

• Equipment such as grab rails may now be required

Without recording the near miss, care needs may remain underestimated.

Common situations include:

Mobility

• Client lost balance but recovered using furniture

• Walking aid almost slipped

Medication

• Wrong medication almost administered but noticed in time

• Medication dropped but not taken

Environment

• Spillage noticed before client walked through it

• Loose electrical cable across floor

Behaviour / Cognition

• Client attempted to leave the house unsupervised

• Client tried to use kitchen appliances unsafely

Personal Care

• Water temperature too hot before bathing

• Hoist sling incorrectly positioned but corrected before lift