The Safety Metrics That Matter
Home The Safety Metrics That Matter How to Track and Improve Workplace Safety Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. March 4, 2025 By Shilpa Sharma Safety in the workplace isn’t just a box to check—it’s a strategy that impacts productivity, morale, and compliance. But how do you know if your safety efforts are truly working? Tracking the right metrics provides the clarity needed to assess your current programs, identify risks, and drive continuous improvement. Metrics are more than numbers—they’re a window into your organization’s strengths and weaknesses. The right data shows what’s working, where gaps exist, and how to make real progress. This guide explores the key safety metrics every organization should track, why they matter, and how they can build a stronger, safer culture. Why Metrics Are Essential for Safety Management It’s easy to assume that safety efforts are effective simply because there hasn’t been a recent incident. But this reactive mindset leaves organizations vulnerable. Metrics allow you to move beyond assumptions and take a proactive approach. Here’s why tracking safety metrics is critical: Identify Trends: Metrics uncover patterns in incidents, near-misses, and compliance gaps, providing actionable insights. Set Priorities: Clear data highlights where to focus your efforts,whether it’s a particular department, process, or hazard. Measure Success: Safety initiatives need measurable goals. Metrics show whether you’re meeting them or need to adjust. Improve Accountability: Transparent data ensures everyone, from frontline workers to executives, understands their role in improving safety. Safety metrics turn vague objectives like “reduce accidents” into specific, trackable actions. They’re the foundation of a safety program that delivers real results. Key Takeaways Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also The Safety Metrics That Matter Most Tracking safety data can feel overwhelming, especially with so many variables at play. To make the process manageable, focus on these key metrics that provide the most insight into your workplace safety efforts: 1. Incident Rates: The Safety Baseline What It Measures: The number of workplace injuries or illnesses over a specific period, often calculated per 100 full-time employees. Why It Matters: Incident rates are a critical measure of workplacesafety. A high rate signals systemic issues, while a declining rateindicates progress. How to Track: Calculate Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) andcompare it against industry benchmarks. Break the data down further bydepartment or job role to identify problem areas. Example in Action: A manufacturing company notices its TRIR is higher than the industry average. By analyzing incident reports, they discover most injuries occur during equipment maintenance. This insight leads to additional training and updated safety protocols, reducing incidents over time. 2. Near-Miss Reports: Catching Problems Early What It Measures: Situations where an accident was narrowly avoided, such as a worker tripping over an unsecured cable but notfalling. Why It Matters: Near-misses provide critical warnings about potential hazards. They’re opportunities to fix problems before theycause harm. How to Track: Implement an easy-to-use reporting system and actively encourage workers to log near-misses. Track trends to pinpointrecurring risks. Example in Action: A manufacturing company notices its TRIR is higher than the industry average. By analyzing incident reports, they discover most injuries occur during equipment maintenance. This insight leads to additional training and updated safety protocols, reducing incidents over time. 3. Compliance Scores: Staying Ahead of Regulations What It Measures: How well your organization meets regulatory safety standards and internal policies Why It Matters: Falling out of compliance can lead to hefty fines, reputational damage, and operational delays. High compliance scoresindicate your processes are robust and up-to-date. How to Track: Conduct regular audits, inspections, and reviews of safety documentation. Use safety management software to streamlinecompliance tracking. Example in Action: During a routine audit, a logistics company identifies gaps in their chemical storage compliance. By updating training and implementing automated alerts for inspections, they prevent violations and maintain their safety record. 4. Training Participation and Completion: Building a Prepared Workforce What It Measures: The percentage of employees who have completed required safety training, as well as refresher courses. Why It Matters: Training ensures workers have the knowledge and skills to handle risks effectively. Low participation rates can indicategaps in your safety program. How to Track: Monitor training attendance and completion rates using a learning management system (LMS). Analyze data by team ordepartment to identify weak spots. Example in Action: : A healthcare provider notices low completion rates for fire safety training among night-shift staff. They adjust training schedules to accommodate night workers, increasing compliance and preparedness. Related read: Do you own a business in the insurance industry? Check out how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the insurance industry. 5. Safety Observations: Proactive Risk Management What It Measures: Observations conducted by managers or safety teams to evaluate workplace conditions and behaviors. Why It Matters: : Regular
The Seven Deadly Sins
Home The Seven Deadly Sins That Destroy Safety Culture Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. February 28, 2025 By Divyanshu Jain Even the strongest safety cultures can be dismantled by a few key missteps. These are the seven deadly sins that can erode safety standards, diminish trust, and put lives at risk. Understanding them is the first step in preventing their destructive impact. 1. Double Standards: One Rule for Some, Another for Others One of the fastest ways to destroy a safety culture is to enforce rules inconsistently. If leadership disregards safety policies while expecting employees to follow them, resentment and noncompliance will spread. Occupational Health and Safety Officer Ted Lane recalls, “I’ve seen situations where the sign on the shop door says ‘Safety glasses must be worn,’ but the boss walks in without them. If leadership doesn’t follow the rules, don’t expect anyone else to.” 2. Top-Down Directives Without Worker Input Safety policies that are dictated from the top down—without input from frontline workers—often fail. Employees who aren’t consulted see policies as bureaucratic red tape rather than measures designed to protect them. Sharon Cole, an OHS Consultant, advises, “If you’re writing a safety policy, involve the workers it will affect. They’re the ones on the frontlines, and their input makes policies practical and enforceable.” 3. Tolerating Negative Attitudes Toward Safety A single bad attitude can spread like wildfire. Workers who scoff at safety meetings, dismiss concerns, or ignore protocols undermine the organization’s culture. If their behavior is left unchecked, it signals that safety isn’t truly a priority. Ted Lane emphasizes, “Zero tolerance for bad safety performance is crucial. Whether it’s the boss’s son or your most experienced worker, if they refuse to comply with safety rules, they need to go.” Key Takeaways Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also 4. Shifting Priorities: Safety Takes a Back Seat Many companies claim safety is their top priority—until deadlines or costs are at stake. When safety is sacrificed for productivity, employees receive a clear message: safety only matters when it’s convenient. This erodes trust and encourages unsafe behaviors. 5. Failing to Lead by Example When supervisors and executives fail to embody the safety standards they expect from employees, it weakens the entire culture. A strong safety culture starts at the top and trickles down. Patrick Cantner, HSE Director of Willbros Canada, warns, “If you say, ‘Production done in the absence of safety will not be valued or rewarded,’ but then allow it to happen, you’ll destroy your safety culture.” 6. Punishing Workers for Reporting Issues If employees who report unsafe conditions or incidents are reprimanded instead of supported, they will stop coming forward. A culture of fear leads to underreporting, which increases risk. Marcia Minto, an OH&S Program Manager, states, “If someone reports an issue and is yelled at by management, they won’t come forward next time. Employees need to feel empowered, not afraid.” 7. Complacency: The Silent Killer Organizations that have gone a long time without an incident often become overconfident. Safety policies become lax, assumptions replace vigilance, and standards begin to slip. Over time, this complacency spreads, erasing years of hard work in building a safety culture. The moment an organization assumes it has ‘solved’ safety, it has already taken a step backward. Related read: Do you own a business in the insurance industry? Check out how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the insurance industry. Preventing the Seven Deadly Sins To maintain a strong safety culture, organizations must actively identify and counter these pitfalls. Leaders must lead by example, workers must feel empowered to participate, and safety must be a genuine, unwavering priority. The key takeaway? Building a safety culture is difficult, but destroying one is easy. Organizations must remain vigilant to ensure safety is not just a policy, but a deeply ingrained part of workplace operations. BIS Social Media Follow BIS Safety Software for industry-leading safety updates, training solutions, and more. Hover over each icon for quick access to follow, share, or explore our other channels. Frequently Asked Questions Have question in mind? We are here to answer. If you don’t see your question here, drop us a line at our contact page. Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem Ipsum is
