Which is a leading indicator of safety performance?

• A. Injury rate.
• B. The rate of hazard identifications and timely close-out of corrective actions.
• C. Number of safety meetings.
• D. Hours worked without incident.

Answer: (B)

Leading indicators are proactive safety measures that help predict future performance. The best example here is the rate at which hazards are identified and the corrective actions are closed out on time. This shows a proactive safety culture: risks are being found and addressed promptly, which lowers the likelihood of incidents later. When hazards are identified and actions are completed quickly, the conditions that lead to injuries are being actively controlled, making future safety outcomes more favorable.

Injury rate is a lagging indicator because it reflects what has already happened, not what is being done to prevent it. Hours worked without incident similarly records past performance rather than the effectiveness of risk controls. The number of safety meetings can indicate activity, but without tying those meetings to actual hazard identification and timely action, it’s a weaker predictor of future safety outcomes.