A lagging indicator is a metric that reflects outcomes of safety performance and is typically used to assess how incidents, injuries, or unsafe conditions have already transpired. In this context, OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) orders are directives that are issued usually after an inspection reveals unsafe conditions that led to an incident or near miss. They serve as a reactive measure to ensure compliance and improve safety after incidents have occurred.
The purpose of lagging indicators is to measure past performance in terms of safety, helping organizations identify areas for improvement based on past incidents. Therefore, OHS orders represent a response to previous safety failures, making them a prime example of a lagging indicator.
In contrast, hazard assessments, inspections, and safety training are generally proactive measures aimed at preventing incidents from occurring in the first place, which categorizes them as leading indicators rather than lagging ones.