Understanding KPIs in Safety (HSE)
What are KPIs?
KPI (Key Performance Indicator) is a number or measurement that tells you how well something is working.
In HSE (Health, Safety & Environment), KPIs help us measure how safe our workplace is and how well we
are following safety rules.
Why Do We Use KPIs in Safety?
- Measure performance (how safe is the site?)
- Set goals (zero accidents, 100% PPE use)
- Improve safety culture (more training, more awareness)
- Take action before problems become accidents
- Show proof to management, clients, or authorities
Types of KPIs in Safety
1. Lagging KPIs (after the accident happens) - Reactive
Examples:
- LTIFR: Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate - Injuries with lost work days
- TRIR: Total Recordable Incident Rate - All reportable injuries
- Fatalities: Deaths on site
- Medical treatment cases: Injuries needing medical help
- Property damage incidents: Damage to tools, equipment
2. Leading KPIs (before an accident happens) - Proactive
Examples:
- Safety inspections done: Are you checking regularly?
                                                      Page 1
                                             Understanding KPIs in Safety (HSE)
- Toolbox talks conducted: Are workers informed?
- Near misses reported: Are unsafe situations reported?
- Safety training hours: Are people trained well?
- Unsafe conditions corrected: Are hazards being fixed?
- Permit to Work compliance: Are PTWs followed properly?
How KPIs Help You:
If you had 5 near misses and 0 injuries this month - workers are reporting issues early, and your controls are
working.
If only 1 toolbox talk was done this month and you had 2 minor injuries - this shows low awareness, you may
need more safety talks.
Summary:
| KPI Type | When It Helps               | Focus        | Example                 |
|------------|-------------------|------------|-------------------------------|
| Leading      | Before accidents | Prevention | Near misses, safety talks            |
| Lagging      | After accidents | Reaction | Injuries, fatalities                |
                                                                      Page 2