Near misses are valuable learning opportunities that are often overlooked as mere 'close calls.' Diligent reporting and analysis of these events helps organizations identify potential hazards, system vulnerabilities, and human factors that contribute to accidents. Ignoring near misses means missing opportunities to prevent future, potentially more severe, incidents.

The book introduces the NMMS, a seven-module framework designed to effectively manage near-miss data. This system guides organizations through the process of reporting, describing, analyzing, interpreting, and acting upon near-miss information, with practical examples and case studies demonstrating implementation across diverse work environments.

Organizational culture and management practices can hinder effective near-miss reporting. The book addresses common reasons why near misses are ignored, such as technical myopia, action-oriented cultures, and focus on consequences rather than root causes. Understanding these barriers helps organizations create a culture that encourages open reporting, values employee input, and prioritizes proactive safety measures.