Key EHS performance metrics leadership should consider

EHS leaders have a variety of data and metrics to consider and monitor. If effectively monitoring and improving your organization’s EHS performance is a priority then this list is for you. We’ve put together the key metrics and potential failure modes you should take into consideration,

EHS performance metrics

1. Incident rates

The number and rate of workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, as well as environmental incidents such as spills or releases.

2. Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

The percentage of compliance with relevant EHS laws and regulations, as well as the number of inspections and citations received.

3. Employee engagement and participation

The percentage of employees who have received EHS training, the number of employee suggestions for EHS improvement, and the number of employee-led EHS initiatives.

4. EHS management system effectiveness

The percentage of management system elements that are implemented and maintained, as well as the percentage of management system elements that are audited and found to be in compliance.

5. EHS performance improvement

The number and rate of EHS incidents over time, as well as the percentage of improvement in EHS performance from year to year.

6. Return on investment (ROI) on EHS initiatives

The costs and benefits of EHS initiatives, such as the costs of implementing an EHS management system compared to the reduction in workplace incidents and injuries.

7. Environmental Indicators

This includes energy consumption, water usage, waste generated, CO2 emissions, etc.

8. Human exposure and health indicators

Including noise levels, air quality, chemical exposure, etc.

It’s important to note that these are a compilation of possible EHS performance metrics. Leadership should choose the metrics that are most relevant to their unique EHS risks and objectives.

Failure modes

Here are common failure modes that leadership needs to address:

1. Lack of data

Without accurate and reliable data, it can be difficult for leadership to effectively monitor and improve EHS performance.

2. Limited focus on specific hazards

While key EHS performance metrics provide a general overview of EHS performance, they may not fully address specific hazards or risks that are unique to an organization or industry.

3. Insufficient employee engagement

Without the participation and buy-in of employees, key EHS performance metrics may not accurately reflect the organization’s overall EHS performance

4. Limited scope of data

EHS performance metrics may only cover specific areas or locations, and not the entire organization.

5. Lack of actionable information

EHS performance metrics may not provide actionable information for leadership to make improvements.

6. Limited frequency of data collection

Data collection may not be frequent enough to capture real-time performance and emerging trends.

7. Inadequate data analysis

Data analysis may not be thorough enough to identify the underlying causes of EHS issues.

We do think it’s important to underline that safety leaders shouldn’t solely rely on sets of data to make critical decisions. Spending time in the field, and understanding their workers’ needs firsthand is also a key factor in monitoring and improving EHS operations.

Ceren Dulgar

Ceren is a marketing enthusiast who is fascinated by the expansive world of EHS. You can catch her reading about the latest EHS news or advocating workplace safety.