833 Developing a Construction Safety Management System

Action Item 1: Monitor Performance and Progress

Next, employers, managers, supervisors, and workers need to establish and follow procedures to collect, analyze, and review performance data.

Both lagging and leading indicators should be used.

• Lagging indicators generally track worker exposures and injuries that have already occurred.
• Leading indicators track how well various aspects of the program have been implemented and reflect steps taken to prevent injuries or illnesses before they occur.

It's more important to track leading indicators as they are predictive of future performance.

How to Accomplish It

Develop and track indicators of progress toward established safety and health goals.

• Track lagging indicators, such as:
• Number and severity of injuries and illnesses
• Results of worker exposure monitoring that show that exposures are hazardous
• Workers' compensation data, including claim counts, rates, and cost
• Track leading indicators, such as:
• Number of employee safety suggestions
• Number of hazards, near misses, and first aid cases reported
• Number of workers who have completed required safety and health training
• Analyze performance indicators and evaluate progress over time.
• Share results with employees and invite their input on how to further improve performance.
• When opportunities arise, share your experience and compare your results to similar facilities within your organization, with other employers you know, or through business or trade associations.

Indicators can be either quantitative or qualitative. Whenever possible, select indicators that are measurable (quantitative) and that will help you determine whether you have achieved your program goals. The number of reported hazards and near misses would be a quantitative indicator. A single worker expressing a favorable opinion about program participation would be a qualitative indicator.

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