Loss-based SHE performance indicators

Figure 16.1 presents an overview of different SHE performance indicators. This overview is based on the framework for accident analysis in Chapter 6. Loss-based SHE performance indicators will be our starting point. Among these we find the most commonly used indicator, the lost-time injury frequency rate. We proceed by reviewing process-based indicators, similar to those developed in the fertiliser-plant case in Chapter 4. Finally, we will look into indicators relating to causal factors, i.e. indicators based on information about the organisation and SHE management system. 

Other loss-based SHE performance indicators 17.2.1 Measures of risk... 

The shortcomings of the LTI-rate have generated work to develop alternative SHE performance indicators. There is also a need for SHE performance indicators in areas other than occupational accidents. The LTI-rate belongs to the important category of loss-based SHE performance indicators. They all represent measures of the risk of accidents. This risk is related to an identified activity. We use SHE performance indicators to calculate the historical risk associated with activities that have taken place in the past. In Part V we will present methods to estimate the expected risk associated with future activities by applications of risk analysis. 

Table 17.1 gives an overview of standard loss-based SHE performance indicators. In calcnlating the frequency of accidents, the size of the activity for which performance is assessed has to be considered. We must expect more accidents to occur in a large company than in a small one, even if the activities are similar. It is necessary to standardise the indicators in relation to the exposure to the risk of accidents. For occupational accidents, the most common exposure measure is the number of employee-hours. In traffic safety, for example, we use the number of vehicle kilometres or passenger kilometres as measures of exposure. By combining the frequency measures with the consequence measures, a measure of the risk is arrived at. 

Above we discussed some problems with the traditional loss-based SHE performance indicators. A number of alternatives have been developed to compensate for some of these problems, Table 17.2. 

In the example in Chapter 4 we saw the advantages of feedback control through measurement of the process rather then the losses. This distinction between process and loss measurement relates to the basic accident framework of Chapter 6. We will here further explore the potential of the process-based SHE performance indicators. Table 18.1. An underlying assumption in using process-based SHE performance indicators is that these are valid indicators of the risk of accidents. We will discuss this issue further in connection with the individual measures. 

We will review different measures or indicators of SHE performance and their merits and shortcomings when applied in SHE management. Part IV starts in Chapter 16 with an overview of SHE performance indicators. The following chapter presents different indicators using data about accidents and losses as the main input. Chapter 18 presents various indirect indicators based on data about the process that may result in loss. In Chapter 19, finally, we will look into SHE performance indicators, where the focus is on the nnderlying contributing factors and basic causes. 

---