Leading and Lagging Indicators for Measuring Safety

Yesterday, we discussed what EHS metrics are, what they can do for your EHS program, and how to choose good metrics. Today, we’ll talk specifics. What kind of metrics have worked well for EHS programs? What indicators should an EHS manager look at?

Indicators provide evidence that a certain condition exists or certain results have or have not been achieved. Indicators enable decision makers to assess progress toward the achievement of intended outcomes, goals, and objectives. We’ll address both leading indicators (metrics in advance of the result) and lagging (sometimes called trailing) indicators (measurements that can be taken after the result).

Leading safety indicators

In economic terms, a “leading indicator” is a metric that changes ahead of the larger economy, such as building permits and inventories, and that can be used to predict where the economy is heading. You can use some metrics as leading indicators of whether your safety program is improving or deteriorating.

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Leading indicators you should track in your safety program include:

• Safety system audits
• Safety communications
• Safety committee activities
• Observed safe behaviors
• Employee turnover rate
• Third-party certifications completed
• Training records

Lagging safety indicators

A “lagging indicator” in economic terms is one that changes after the economy has changed; labor costs and the unemployment rate are two examples. These indicators show you what has already happened.

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In your safety program, lagging indicators are useful for determining where you need to improve, analyzing trends, prioritizing your safety interventions, and confirming the effectiveness of interventions.

Some lagging indicators you should track include:

• Accidents or near misses
• Accident and near-miss investigations
• Injuries and illnesses
• OSHA citations
• Workers’ compensation rates

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