Monitoring and Indicators Related to the Safety Observation Reporting and Management Process

Abstract

Evaluating and monitoring the effectiveness of near-miss management systems (NMS) remain under-researched, and the absence of standard guidelines has contributed to variations in practice. In addition, most studies focus only on the number of near-miss reports without detailing other useful indicators or metrics for tracking NMS. This study provided information about the various aspects that organizations monitor in relation to the safety observation process. The term “safety observation” includes both unsafe conditions and unsafe acts, as well as near-misses, meaning unplanned events that could have caused harm but ultimately did not. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research conducted semi-structured interviews with five Finnish organizations from diverse sectors and an online survey involving safety professionals. The findings reveal that organizations track safety observations through various metrics related mainly to reporting activity, progress of handling the reports, and corrective actions. Common indicators are the number of reports, reporting coverage, response and processing times, and completion rates of corrective actions. While top management primarily focuses on the number of safety observations, safety teams and supervisors monitor additional aspects, such as report content and implementation of actions. The study highlights the need for qualitative indicators to supplement quantitative metrics and the potential of using positive safety observations and corrective actions as indicators.

Keywords: Accident Prevention, Near Miss, Occupational Health And Safety, Safety Management, Risk Management

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1008207