What is the proper course of action after a near-miss incident?

• A. Ignore it and continue operations.
• B. Document, report, review procedures, and implement corrective actions or training.
• C. Only notify the supervisor on duty.
• D. File a personal note for later.

Answer: (B)

Handling a near-miss properly is about turning a close call into a learning opportunity that prevents future harm. The best course is to document what happened, report it through the proper channels, review the procedures to identify why it occurred, and implement corrective actions or training to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Documenting creates a clear record of the event, the conditions, and the people involved, which is essential for analysis and accountability. Reporting ensures management and safety personnel are aware and can support corrective changes. Reviewing procedures helps uncover root causes or gaps in safety, maintenance, or training. Implementing corrective actions or targeted training closes the loop, giving the crew concrete steps to avoid repetition and reinforcing safe practices.

Ignoring it misses the chance to learn and improve safety. Simply notifying the supervisor on duty addresses the moment but doesn’t capture data for broader analysis or drive systemic changes. Filing a personal note keeps the information private and does not share lessons or trigger necessary actions for the wider crew.