Objectives of Measuring Safety Performance

The primary objective of measuring safety performance is to provide a feedback mechanism that will foster continuous improvement. A process for implementing such a program relies on the following steps (Krause and Hidley 1990,161)  

Identifying problem areas The safety mechanism that is geared for performance measurement and feedback takes its cue from the facility inventory of critical behaviors. Problem areas can be defined as those workplace behaviors that deviate from the expected critical behaviors. 

Stimulating preventive action Based upon the problem areas identified, preventive activities can be directed toward those areas, thus focusing management s attention and resources to the areas that need them the most. 

Documenting safety efforts Without accurately documenting safety efforts, there is no true accountability for managers and supervisors. Nor is there a developing record of facility safety performance trends and profiles. 

Reinforcing improvements in behavior The strongest reinforcement for behavior is feedback that is soon, certain, and positive. In order to reinforce improvement, one must know what types of behaviors lead to the improvement. 

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The primary objective of measuring safety performance is to provide a feedback mechanism that will foster continuous improvement... 

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