Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are measurable metrics used to gauge the performance of your organization. KPIs should follow the “SMART” criteria to ensure effectiveness.

• Specific - Ensure the goals are specific and narrow in scope.

• Measurable - Verify the goals are measurable with concrete data.

• Attainable - Ensure the goals are attainable and realistic for your organization to achieve.

• Relevant - Ensure the goals are relevant to your operations, desired performance, and in line with your company values.

• Time-Bound - Set a realistic but ambitious timeframes.

There are both leading and lagging indicators used as KPIs. A lagging indicator is a metric that is recorded after an occurrence like Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) and Total Recordable Incident Frequency (TRIF) which measures lost time incidents vs hours worked. Lagging indicators are reactive in nature and are best used to identify and analyze trends. Leading indicators are the measurement of proactive actions taken to ensure a safe workplace. Examples of leading indicators include inspections, behavioral observations, emergency response drills, etc. Leading indicators can be used to ensure participation and plan for the future.

Health and Safety KPIs tend to be more difficult to identify than financial or production metrics. Below we have included some examples of Health and Safety KPIs that may be worth tracking for your organization.

• Employee hours worked. (Lagging)

• Incidents, near-misses, and work refusals. (Lagging)

• Days to complete an incident investigation from the date of incident. (Lagging)

• Incident corrective action implementation time. (Lagging)

• Workplace inspections/observations completed vs scheduled. (Leading)

• Management participation in health and safety activities like meetings and inspections. (Leading)

• Equipment downtime. (Lagging)

• New hazards reported. (Leading)

• Training and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Costs. (Lagging)