In this guide, we explore leading indicators safety professionals can use to predict and prevent harm, and lag indicators safety teams rely on to assess past performance. Let’s dive into how these indicators shape better outcomes in high-risk industries.
Leading Indicators Safety: Proactive Signals to Track
Leading indicators safety metrics are proactive, preventive, and predictive. They highlight what your organisation is doing to avoid incidents before they occur. These measures track behaviours, systems and actions taken to manage risk, making them essential to a mature health and safety culture.
Common leading indicators in safety include:
- Percentage of employees completing safety training
- Number of proactive hazard reports submitted
- Frequency of safety audits and inspections
- Participation in toolbox talks or briefings
By monitoring these activities, safety teams can identify gaps and intervene before accidents happen. Unlike lag indicators safety, which measure outcomes, leading indicators give you a chance to act in real time.
Lag Indicators Safety: Measuring Outcomes After the Event
Lag indicators safety metrics reflect what has already happened. They are reactive by nature and help evaluate the effectiveness of your health and safety programme over time.
Some examples of lag indicators safety teams use include:
- Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR)
- Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR)
- Number of days without a safety incident
- Workers’ compensation claims or costs
While lagging indicators help quantify past performance, they can’t predict or prevent incidents. They are best used alongside leading indicators safety to ensure a well-rounded view of your safety efforts.
Examples of Leading Indicators in Safety That Drive Results
Choosing the right examples of leading indicators in safety can be a game-changer for your organisation. Here are a few proven metrics that align with world-class safety systems:
- Near-miss reporting rates: A high reporting rate suggests strong safety engagement and hazard awareness.
- Safety training completion rates: Ensures employees are equipped with the knowledge to avoid risk.
- Behaviour-based observations: Tracking safe and unsafe acts can influence behaviour change.
- Preventive maintenance checks: Reduces the likelihood of equipment-related injuries.
These examples of leading indicators in safety support a culture where continuous improvement is prioritised. They are measurable, actionable, and tightly linked to incident prevention.
Need Help Tracking Leading and Lagging Indicators in Health and Safety?
Tracking leading and lagging indicators in health and safety can be complex, especially in dynamic environments like construction, logistics, mining or manufacturing. SafetyCloud makes it easier with digital tools that help you collect, analyse and act on both types of data.
With our cloud-based platform, you can:
- Set automated reminders for safety checks and training
- Capture and report on hazards, near misses and incidents in real time
- Monitor both leading indicators safety teams rely on and lag indicators safety audits demand
- Generate reports that align with compliance and industry standards
Whether you’re just beginning to track leading and lagging indicators in health and safety, or looking to level up your current system, SafetyCloud can support your journey to a safer workplace.
Ready to improve your safety performance?
Let SafetyCloud help you measure, manage and master your safety indicators. Contact us today!