What Gets Measured Gets Managed. Or Does It?
David Newman
March 30, 2015
EHS professionals love data. Without good data, we feel lost. But it’s critical to scrutinize the value of a metric. I believe that a meaningful metric must:
- Accurately measurable
- Explain a result simply
- Encourage a change in behavior
- Have a target
Try to develop measures that encourage employees around a behavior, rather than penalize them for the wrong outcome. I’ve had success using reporting and corrective action after near misses or dangerous conditions. For example, measure the number of near misses reported (with corrective actions) and then divide by the number of recordable injuries.
Aside from identifying the right metrics, communicating them is just as important. Don’t keep them secret. Get the metrics out there, and you will at least have started the conversation. Pick a few metrics that hit your point, and delete the rest. Put a couple simple notes along with the numbers on what your recommendation is for improvement.
Finally, keep it under a page…or maybe skip the page altogether and use something visible in the workplace. I remember walking into a warehouse and seeing a huge traffic light at the entrance to show employees how many orders had been filled that day vs target.
So scrutinize the metrics you’re keeping. Don’t be afraid to do some housecleaning, and think about how to get a spotlight on the one or two that will make a difference in your organization’s EHS performance.
Topics:
EHS&S Strategy
Goals and Metrics
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About the Author
David Newman
Comcast Corp.
David Newman is Executive Director of Health and Safety for Comcast, a $95B technology, media and entertainment company. His team of more than 90 EHS professionals supports 100,000 employees and 3,000 sites around the United States and abroad. His responsibilities
include proactive injury measurement, data and management systems, fleet safety and forward-thinking accident reduction programs.
Prior to Comcast, Mr. Newman was with Millipore, a life sciences division of Merck KGaA, where his roles included Global Head of EHS, Facilities and Sustainability, Director of Supply Security, and Plant Manager. Prior to that, he worked in EHS in the semiconductor industry. He has lectured at Harvard Business School and UMass Boston, and has master’s degrees in Public Health and Industrial Environmental Management. He is also an active EMT and Fire Lieutenant.
Prior to Comcast, Mr. Newman was with Millipore, a life sciences division of Merck KGaA, where his roles included Global Head of EHS, Facilities and Sustainability, Director of Supply Security, and Plant Manager. Prior to that, he worked in EHS in the semiconductor industry. He has lectured at Harvard Business School and UMass Boston, and has master’s degrees in Public Health and Industrial Environmental Management. He is also an active EMT and Fire Lieutenant.