Jul 15, 2025

In a world where one missed signal can lead to costly incidents, risk visibility is no longer optional—it’s essential. Safety leaders today have access to more data than ever before, but knowing which metrics truly matter can make the difference between reactive management and proactive prevention.

Here are five core risk indicators every safety-focused organization should be tracking:

1. Near-Miss Reporting Rate

Near-misses are early warning signs. A high reporting rate often reflects a strong safety culture where employees feel empowered to speak up—while a low rate may suggest underreporting or complacency.

2. Time-to-Close on Corrective Actions

How quickly your team addresses identified risks is a direct measure of operational responsiveness. Delays in closing corrective actions can expose your organization to preventable repeat incidents.

3. Incident Frequency Rate (IFR)

This metric captures the number of incidents per a defined number of labor hours (e.g., per 200,000 hours worked). It’s a foundational benchmark for measuring performance over time and comparing against industry standards.

4. Audit Completion and Compliance Scores

Internal audits and safety inspections are only useful if completed regularly. Tracking audit completion rates and scores helps identify gaps in execution, training, or documentation.

5. Leading vs. Lagging Indicators

Striking the right balance between forward-looking (leading) and historical (lagging) metrics is key. Are you tracking training completion, safety observations, and hazard reports—or only looking at past injuries?

Risk metrics aren’t just numbers—they’re narratives. When tracked, analyzed, and acted upon consistently, these indicators help safety leaders make smarter decisions, uncover blind spots, and foster a proactive culture of accountability.