In a Process Safety Management context, what does a "near miss" typically refer to?

A "near miss" is defined as a situation in which an incident nearly occurs but does not lead to actual harm or damage. This concept is critical in Process Safety Management because it emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing potential hazards before they lead to real incidents. By recognizing near misses, organizations can analyze the circumstances that allowed an incident to almost happen, allowing them to implement preventive measures and improve safety protocols.

Tracking and addressing near misses assists in creating a proactive safety culture, encouraging employees to report any unsafe conditions or behaviors without fear of punishment. This ultimately helps in enhancing overall safety performance, as it allows teams to learn from close calls and implement changes that prevent future incidents.

In contrast, the other options describe situations that either do not fit the concept of a near miss or refer to events that have already caused some form of impact or harm, which is not the focus of near misses. Understanding this distinction is essential for effective safety management and risk reduction strategies.