• Various suggested leading indicators can help measure the implementation of recommended practices for hazard prevention and control.

Here are some suggested leading indicators for measuring the implementation of recommended practices for hazard prevention and control:

• Length of time interim controls have been in place.
• Percentage of recommendations implemented that pertain to personal protective equipment (PPE) hazard controls, administrative controls, engineering controls, substitution, and elimination.
• Number of special work permits filled out.
• Number of cartridge filers with an end of service life indicator that were returned or replaced before the indicator turned red.
• Number of hazards identified where leading indicators were used to control the hazard.
• Percentage of hazards abated on the same day, week, or month in which the hazard was identified.
• Number of workers required to wear respiratory protection.
• Number of unacceptable risks identified during risk assessments.

When to take action: Take action when trends indicate that hazard prevention and control methods can be improved. For example, if some recommendations continue to remain open past their due date, find out why this might be the case and try to correct the issue so recommendations can be addressed on time. Similarly, if the company has not been using leading indicators as a tool for controlling hazards, optionally implement a leading indicator program and start with just one or two leading indicators during the program’s first year.