Key factors of near miss reporting behaviour at work and the interaction of safety climate: a review based on reciprocal safety model

Abstract

Near misses share with safety accidents their origin but with no or reduced impact, thus providing organisations with the prediction of workplace accidents without experiencing actual cost and harmful consequences. Despite the effort to make near miss reporting a mandatory requirement, the issue of near miss under-reporting remains. Extant literature examines the key factors of near miss reporting behaviour as independent determinants, without considering the interaction of these factors and, more importantly, the interaction of the reporting behaviour and the safety climate at work. In the reciprocal safety culture model, safety behaviour is found to reciprocate with personal and organisational factors. This paper examines the key factors of near miss reporting and its interaction with safety climate through study review, and discusses the reciprocal relationship of near miss reporting behaviour. The study findings will serve as reference for safety researchers and practitioners for effective near miss management system and training development.