How to Easily Measure Workplace Safety Culture
Safety culture is a critical component in any organization, especially those operating in high-risk environments. A strong safety culture not only protects employees but also ensures regulatory compliance and enhances operational efficiency. At Sabentis, we understand the importance of continuously measuring and improving safety culture. Today, we focus on how to use leading and lagging indicators to evaluate and strengthen safety culture in your company.
What Are Leading and Lagging Indicators?
Leading indicators are metrics that predict potential safety system failures before incidents occur. These include factors like leadership visibility on-site and the number of task observations performed by managers. On the other hand, lagging indicators are signs of problems that have already happened, such as the number of reported incidents and the effectiveness of accident investigations.
Leading Indicators in Safety Culture
To improve safety culture, it is crucial to implement and monitor leading indicators. Some examples include:
- Safety Climate Survey Results: Results from HSE surveys or other safety culture/climate surveys or external audits.
- Leadership Visibility: Measuring the frequency of senior executives visiting the workplace and conducting safety walks. This not only shows management’s commitment to safety but also helps quickly identify and resolve issues.
- Safety Observations: Measuring the number of preventive safety observations conducted by leaders. This proactive practice can identify risks before they result in incidents.
- Timely Reporting of Incidents/Accidents: Monitoring the timely upward reporting through the reporting chain.
- Effectiveness of Incident/Accident Investigation Processes: Including the circulation of reports and the effectiveness of interventions.
- Policy Violations: Monitoring and addressing company policy violations to correct and prevent future risks.
Lagging Indicators in Safety Culture
In addition to leading indicators, it is essential to monitor lagging indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of implemented safety measures. Some examples are:
- Incident Reports: Number of reported incidents and accidents, as well as the effectiveness and timeliness of these reports. A high reporting rate can indicate an open and committed safety culture.
- Poor Safety Culture Observations: From the application of behavioral safety methods.
- Corrective Actions Required: Following safety culture audits.
- Percentage of Repeat Incidents/Accidents: Assessing the effectiveness of incident investigation processes to ensure the organization is learning from events and continuously improving.
At Sabentis, we provide advanced tools for occupational health and safety management that facilitate the monitoring of both types of indicators. Our software enables companies to:
- Effectively configure and monitor leading and lagging indicators.
- Automate incident reporting and investigation processes.
- Generate detailed reports and trend analyses to identify areas for improvement.
Improving safety culture is an ongoing effort that requires commitment from all organizational levels. By using both types of indicators, companies can gain a comprehensive view of their safety performance and take proactive measures to prevent incidents. With Sabentis, you can efficiently manage these indicators, ensuring a safer work environment for everyone.
