Potential lagging indicators

Lagging indicators tend to be outcome-oriented and respective they describe events that have already occurred and may indicate potential recurring problems and may include fires, releases, and explosions. 

Chapter 24 in this book provides a detailed discussion on risk management audits. Such audits can produce both leading and lagging indicators if they properly seek shortcomings in risk management systems and relate directly to unacceptable risks that present potentials for the occurrence of serious injuries and fatalities and to the reality of accident experience. 

An increase in reducible surface-bound material during ennoblement was demonstrated using galvanostatic reduction" techniques to monitor potential as a stainless steel coupon was cathodically polarized. Coulombs of reducible material were calculated from the duration of regions of polarization rate lag that indicated reduction of surface-bound material. Longer exposure times and thicker biofouling were not sufficient to increase the abundance of reducible surface-bound material. The increase seemed to be associated with increased... 

Studies in both animals and humans indicate that taking melatonin is extremely safe, with very few people reporting any side effects. However, possible side effects of taking it for months or years have not been examined. Most melatonin available over-the-counter is chemically synthesized and not extracted from the pineal gland of animals. Several pharmaceutical companies are currently developing melatonin analogues (closely related molecules that act just like melatonin) for the potential treatment of jet lag and to help shift workers better adapt to their schedules. 

Early warning indicator Rapid identification of potential effects. Use when endpoint is slow to respond or has delayed effect minimal time lag in response to stressor and rapid response rate low signal to noise ratio of the measure and low discrimination screening tool and false positives acceptable. 

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