Which item is an example of a leading indicator?

Which item is an example of a leading indicator?

• A. Number of injuries
• B. OHS orders
• C. Hazard assessments
• D. Incident severity

Answer: (C)

Leading indicators are proactive measures that show how well the safety system is identifying and controlling risks before harm occurs. Hazard assessments fit this because they systematically identify potential hazards and evaluate remaining risks, prompting controls before incidents happen. Tracking how often hazard assessments are completed and the quality of their findings signals how actively the organization is identifying and mitigating risks, which helps prevent injuries. In contrast, the number of injuries and incident severity are outcomes that occur after events, so they reflect past performance rather than predicting or preventing harm. OHS orders relate to regulatory actions taken after deficiencies are found and do not, by themselves, measure proactive risk identification.

Leading indicators are proactive measures that show how well the safety system is identifying and controlling risks before harm occurs. Hazard assessments fit this because they systematically identify potential hazards and evaluate remaining risks, prompting controls before incidents happen. Tracking how often hazard assessments are completed and the quality of their findings signals how actively the organization is identifying and mitigating risks, which helps prevent injuries. In contrast, the number of injuries and incident severity are outcomes that occur after events, so they reflect past performance rather than predicting or preventing harm. OHS orders relate to regulatory actions taken after deficiencies are found and do not, by themselves, measure proactive risk identification.