Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Practice Exam

What is a leading safety indicator likely to include?

1. Number of incidents reported

2. Results from safety training sessions

3. Environmental audit findings

4. Loss of workdays due to injuries

The correct answer is: Results from safety training sessions

A leading safety indicator is a proactive measure used to predict and prevent potential safety incidents before they occur. It typically involves activities and observations that can be acted upon to improve safety performance. The results from safety training sessions exemplify a leading indicator because they reflect the effectiveness of safety measures that are in place, as well as the level of employee engagement in safety practices. If the training sessions yield positive results, it indicates that employees are being equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to work safely, thereby reducing the likelihood of future incidents. On the other hand, the number of incidents reported, environmental audit findings, and loss of workdays due to injuries function more as lagging indicators. These metrics measure past performance and outcomes after incidents have already occurred, providing limited insight into proactive safety management. By focusing on leading indicators like safety training results, organizations can take preventive steps to enhance their safety culture and practices before incidents arise.