When workplace incidents occur, they’re rarely the result of a single moment or decision. More often, they are the outcome of warning signs that appeared weeks, months or even years earlier but went unnoticed, unreported, or unaddressed. In fact, the World Metrics Organisation indicates that 65-70% of workplace incidents are preceded by one or more near misses, highlighting the value of early warning signs in preventing more serious events. As workplaces head into 2026, the organisations that perform best will be those that learn to recognise these early signals and act before small issues escalate into serious risks. Near Misses Are Early Warning Signs ⚠️ Near misses are one of the clearest indicators that something isn’t quite right. When an incident almost happens but doesn’t result in injury, it’s tempting to move on and feel relieved that everything (in the moment) is fine. In reality, near misses are valuable data points that can be capitalised on if done promptly and carefully. Reporting near misses increases safety awareness by 67%, according to the World Metrics Organisation, which demonstrates that early intervention is one of the most effective ways to prevent minor issues from escalating into serious incidents. Repeated near misses can highlight gaps in training, procedures, equipment, or workload management. They often signal that controls are not working as intended and need attention. Treating near misses as learning opportunities rather than close calls allows employers to intervene early and prevent future incidents that may not end so fortunately. Early Physical Symptoms Often Go Unnoticed 🤒 Many physical injuries develop gradually rather than suddenly. Ongoing fatigue, recurring soreness, stiffness, reduced range of movement or slower recovery after shifts are common early signs that physical demands may be exceeding capacity. These symptoms are often normalised, particularly in physically demanding roles and masked as “part of the job.” Over time, however, they can develop into chronic injuries, long-term musculoskeletal conditions, or extended time off work. Work-related injury and illness are far from rare in Australia, work health and safety data from Safe Work Australia shows that injury and illness remain significant issues: in 2024, 188 Australian workers lost their lives to work-related traumatic injuries, and there were 146,700 serious workers compensation claims in 2023–24. Paying attention to early physical signals allows employers to adjust tasks, workloads, or support mechanisms before long-term damage occurs. A simple check in with employees checking on their physical health is a great start to see where they are at. Patterns Matter More Than Isolated Events 📉 One incident rarely tells the full story. Patterns do. Repeated injuries occurring during tasks, higher turnover in specific teams or consistent fatigue complaints following certain shifts, all point to underlying issues. These patterns may not trigger immediate alarms but, over time, they reveal areas of elevated risk. Employers who regularly review data across absences, incidents, health monitoring results, and worker feedback are better positioned to identify these trends early and respond proactively. This is also a better culture to provide your employees, that you care and are actively looking out for their wellbeing. Psychological Warning Signs Are Still Overlooked 🧠 Psychological health is increasingly recognised as a critical component of workplace safety, yet early signs are still commonly missed. Changes in behaviour, increased irritability with tasks or people, withdrawal from team interactions across the business or reduced concentration can all indicate psychological strain on an employee. According to Mind Your Head, an initiative by the Australian Council of Trade Unions, in 2023 to 2024, mental health conditions accounted for about 12% of all serious workers compensation claims, making them one of the fastest-growing categories of workplace injury in Australia. Serious psychological injury claims increased 14.7% in just one year and have risen 161% over the past decade, the largest growth of any injury category. Left unaddressed, these issues can escalate into burnout, psychological injury, or prolonged periods away from work. Creating environments where workers feel safe to speak up, combined with early intervention and support, is key to managing psychological risks effectively. The Ageing Workforce Requires a Proactive Approach 👴 Australia’s workforce is ageing, and with age could come changes in physical capacity, recovery time, and injury risk. This isn’t about capability, it’s about ensuring roles and demands remain appropriate as workers needs evolve. Early indicators such as increased recovery time, recurring discomfort or difficulty with certain tasks can help employers adapt roles, provide targeted support, or implement preventative measures that keep experienced workers safe and productive for longer. Turning Awareness Into Action 💪 Early warning signs don’t always show up as injuries or formal incidents. They’re often subtle, gradual, and easy to dismiss in busy environments. But ignoring them can come at a significant cost, to both people and operations. Pre-employment medicals and regular health checks play an important role in prevention, helping establish capacity, identify emerging risks early and ensure workers remain fit for the demands of their role over time. Check out our pre-employment medical page for more information on how we can help your business. Prevention is always more effective, and less costly, than recovery. By paying attention to near misses, early symptoms, behavioural changes and emerging patterns, organisations can protect their people, reduce risk and build safer workplaces in 2026, rather than waiting for incidents to force change.