A recent article explains how combining different types of indicators yields more effective safety plans
In a recent Facility Safety Management article, UG2 director of Environmental Health and Safety Adam Rabesa lays out strategies to maximize safety with an approach that combines leading and lagging indicators.
As Adam explains, many companies understandably look to lagging indicators for safety planning, and indeed, metrics such as injuries occurring over a measurable period of time are an important part of assessing and improving workplace safety. But lagging indicators only don’t go far enough. A more comprehensive — and effective — approach includes leading indicators, like measuring safety-related activities, that allow you to confront safety-related issues before an incident arises.
The article provides some concrete direction on the types of leading indicators that are helpful to have in place:
Accounting for the immediate causes of accidents such as human behavior. A strong approach to safety must take human behavior into account. Although changing people’s behavior is a challenging undertaking, managers can take steps to reduce unsafe practices with the goal of eliminating them over time. Ideally, this approach involves employees themselves in identifying, cataloging and sharing information on unsafe conditions so that all become more attuned to noticing — and acting on — such issues before they cause an incident or accident.
Understanding employees’ attitudes and perceptions of the work environment. Surveying employees is an essential and often overlooked component of workplace safety planning. Engaged employees make for much more impactful safety programs, and surveys are an excellent way for management to assess safety culture and understand how an organizations’ efforts around safety are impacting employees. Survey findings are a strong leading indicator of safety issues impacting everyone from hourly employees to senior management.
Incorporating safety-related organizational activities and management systems. Training, inspections and audits are essential for proactive risk mitigation. Consistent, engaging training that is applicable to an employee’s job and addresses OSHA requirements helps prevent injuries — and training completion reports are an effective leading indicator. Inspections can help identify hazards and allow time to correct unsafe conditions before an incident occurs. It’s also critical to conduct regular quality control audits of tools and mechanical systems.
For a more detailed look at the ways leading indicators complement lagging indicators for a balanced approach to safety, read the full Facility Safety Management article. Be sure to also check out our blog for best practices, tips, and strategies for protecting your teams and keeping your facilities safe.