Leading indicator
A proactive measure of safety activity that can show problems before anyone is hurt.
Definition, in the source's words
OSHA, Using Leading Indicators to Improve Safety and Health Outcomes (2019), p. 3(opens osha.gov in a new tab)“leading indicators are proactive, preventive, and predictive measures that provide information about the effective performance of your safety and health activities. They measure events leading up to injuries, illnesses, and other incidents and reveal potential problems in your safety and health program. In contrast, lagging indicators measure the occurrence and frequency of events that occurred in the past, such as the number or rate of injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.”
What it means
Leading indicators measure inputs: inspections completed, hazards corrected, training done, near misses reported. They're useful when they connect to the outcomes you want to prevent.
Example
The percentage of reported hazards corrected within 7 days, and near-miss reports per month, are leading indicators. A falling correction rate warns you before the injury rate moves.
Where it appears on the exam
ASP: ASP11 Domain 2, Safety Programs and Concepts
Practice: Safety and Health Programs, Leadership and Leading Indicators
CSP: CSP11 Domain 2, Program Management
Practice: Safety Management Systems and Leading Indicators, Incident and DART Rate Calculations
CHST: CHST5 Domain 3, Safety Program Development, Implementation, and Sustainment
Questions
- Are near-miss reports a leading or lagging indicator?
- Usually leading: they capture events before an injury happens and show how willing people are to report.
Related
Checked 2026-10-16. Spot a problem? Email hello@passcited.com.