Metrics for Leading Indicators

In the past almost all “safety incentives” focused on rewarding workers for simply not having accidents.  These programs essentially rewarded for “after the fact” performance, or “lagging indicators.” They were focused on negatives.

Since OSHA has essentially frowned on any type of safety incentives based on lagging indicators because of non-reporting, almost all attention has been placed on using awards to motivate positive safety behaviors.  Essentially, all approved OSHA programs are now based on improving “leading indicators.”  It would be difficult to discuss any type of safety awards without having a discussion of “leading indicators” which tend to focus on the positive rather than the negative. 

While many feel that “leading indicator” programs tend to be somewhat subjective in nature (observing workers) there are many metrics that can be used to allow for awards that are objective.  Some of them are: 

• The percentage of managers with adequate occupational health and safety training
• The percentage of workers with adequate occupational health and safety training
• The number of workplace inspections
• Frequency of observed safe or unsafe behavior
• The number of occupational health and safety audits performed
• Prevalence of certain health problems
• Work Ability Index, which predicts the likelihood of early retirement
• Employee surveys for safety climate or attitude 

These types of metrics will show you what the company is doing to perform better.  They don’t show the impact. But they are focused on future safety performance and continuous improvement. They are proactive and show what your workers are doing on a regular basis prevent injuries. They also focus on the positive side of safety.

For more information on AwardSafety products or services or other white papers please contact us at awardsafetyinfo@cox.net