DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2014.v02i01.0067

Pages: 317-320

A “near miss” is an unexpected incident related to system or process failure which could have caused damage, but didn't. Near-miss provides insight into both potential failure points and weaknesses in the management system. They can be a powerful tool to reduce risk and improve system reliability. We present a near-miss case which occurred in the Central Sterile Services Department of a public hospital after a medium intensity earthquake. Although immediate cause of this near miss accident was a natural hazard (earthquake) but Steam acted as a risk factor for making ceiling of affected site softened and breakable. This incident will prompt hospitals to document and follow safety guidelines for public, patient and staff safety. Although the earthquakes are sudden and unexpected yet if safety measures are taken both before and after an earthquake, many adverse and catastrophic events can be prevented.