Key Performance Indicators

Here is a quick look at OHS Key Performane Indicators  (KPI) and how to use them.
Safety Advisors can use KPI to measure workplace health and safety performance in areas such as Consultation, Risk Management, Safety Training, Incident and Injury Management as well as various other safety areas.
There should be a policy and procedure written detailing how the KPI will be implmented, measured, monitored and reported.
For example, on the topic of safety training - a safety training procedure may state that XYZ Company will conduct one OHS training session a week in the form of a tool box talk which will cover a range of safety topics.
The procedure may state that a toolbox talk will be give to a work group each week and  for no longer than 15 minutes.
Over the year this equates to 208 Tool box talks that may cover a range of safety topics including subjects such as Manual Handling, Chemical awareness, Personal Protective Equipment selection, maintenance and use. The procedure may also state that the KPI is met if 80% (about 160 toolbox talks) of the training is conducted. This is like setting up a SMART goal. The KPI is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. Further, the KPI can be measured each month and reported to senior management (along with other KPIs) to give a general status of the Company's WHS performance. If KPI's for a company are regularly being met, it may demonstrate that the company's OHS systems performing well. However; if KPI's are not being met, the company can then examine why they are not being met and take actions to address the problems.

It should be realised that much more detail would need be written into the Safety Training Policy and Procedure, it should be like a terms of reference, the procedure would clearly stipulate exactly what topics will be covered (some of the topics for example may arise out of KPI for incidents or near miss events), when the toolbox talks will be given, who will give give training, where it will be held and who should attend.

The main point is this, setting up a safety procedure with built in KPI is what the Australian Standard 4804 is all about when it discusses Targets, Objectives and Indicators. Ultimately, having a quality set of KPI set up in a company's safety procedures will enable safety advisors to plan focused activities aimed at reducing injuries and the associated costs. However, allways remember the concept of continual improvement and regularly review the KPIs to ensure they are meeting the company's needs.