Health and safety: a culture of care and accountability

Health and safety is more than just compliance - it’s a culture of care. By prioritising safe practices, we not only protect lives but also foster environments where people feel valued and supported. Every risk we manage and every precaution we take contributes to a stronger, more resilient workplace. It’s a shared responsibility that reflects our commitment to each other and to doing things the right way.

A measurable path to a safer workplace: understanding health and safety KPIs

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are measurable values that provide clear direction for preventing incidents, protecting employees, and fostering a robust safety culture. These indicators are typically divided into two categories: leading indicators, which measure preventative actions, and lagging indicators, which track past incidents and outcomes. A comprehensive safety strategy uses both to create a holistic view of workplace safety.

Leading indicators: predicting and preventing

Leading indicators are forward-looking metrics that help identify and address potential hazards before they cause harm. They reflect the success of preventative efforts and are essential for building a proactive safety culture.

Audits and inspections

• Safety audit and inspection rate: Tracks the frequency and completion of safety audits. A high rate indicates consistent efforts to identify and correct hazards.

• Corrective action closure rate: Measures how quickly identified safety issues are resolved. A high rate shows efficient incident management.

Training and engagement

• Safety training completion rate: Reflects the percentage of employees who have completed required safety training, indicating investment in a knowledgeable workforce.

• Employee safety perception: Gauges how employees feel about management’s commitment to safety, often via anonymous surveys. A positive perception correlates with better compliance and reporting.

• Near-miss and hazard reporting rate: Tracks reported near-misses and hazards. A high rate suggests a strong safety culture where employees feel safe to report concerns.

Lagging indicators: learning from the past

Lagging indicators are reactive measures that provide historical data on incidents. While they can't prevent past events, they are vital for evaluating safety program effectiveness and identifying trends.

Injury and incident metrics

• Total recordable incident rate (TRIR): Measures recordable injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time employees annually.

• Lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR): Tracks injuries causing missed work, measured per million hours worked.

• Days away, restricted, or transferred (DART) rate: Focuses on incidents resulting in modified duties or job transfers.

• First-aid cases rate: Monitors minor incidents requiring only first aid, helping identify potential hazards.

Health and wellness metrics

• Workers’ compensation claims and costs: Tracks the number and financial impact of claims.

• Occupational illness reports: Measures health issues linked to workplace conditions.

• Employee absenteeism rate: High rates may indicate underlying health or wellness concerns.

• Average overtime hours per person: Excessive overtime can lead to fatigue and increased accident risk.

By combining proactive and reactive KPIs, organisations can build a safety strategy that not only responds to incidents but actively works to prevent them. It’s a measurable, meaningful way to reinforce the culture of care that underpins everything we do in health and safety.