What term is used to describe an event that comes close to resulting in an injury or fatality?

The term that accurately describes an event that comes close to resulting in an injury or fatality is "near miss." A near miss represents a situation where an accident almost occurred but was avoided, highlighting the potential for serious consequences had circumstances been slightly different. This concept is crucial in safety management, as analyzing near misses helps organizations identify weaknesses in safety protocols and prevent future incidents.

In contrast, a "close call" may imply a similar situation, but its usage can be more informal and less standardized within safety contexts. "Risk event" refers to any identifiable risk, which has not yet materialized into an incident. "Potential hazard" describes a condition that poses a danger but does not specifically address an event that has almost led to an injury or fatality. Understanding these distinctions is important for accurately communicating and addressing safety issues within fire department operations.