The Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) is a beneficial metric used to evaluate a businesses safety performance. OSHA also uses the TRIR to evaluate high-risk industries. It is based on the total number of recordable injuries your company has in one year.
The TRIR measures the number of incidents that result in lost time or restricted duty against the total hours worked by an employee.
TRIR Formula
The formula is: Number of OSHA recordable incidents X 200,000/Total number of hours worked.
Note: 200,000 represents the number of hours that 100 employees would work in a year, if they worked 40 hours per week, 50 weeks per year.
A perfect TRIR is “0” and a good TRIR is less than “3.0.”
The industry average is “1.0.” Anything below this rate suggests a better-than-average safety performance.
What Qualifies As A Recordable Incident?
A recordable incident is any work injury or illness that causes:
- Death
- Loss of consciousness
- Days away from work
- Restricted work
- Transfer
- And, medical treatment beyond first aid
Who Use’s The TRIR?
A company’s TRIR can be used by many parties, including:
- OSHA: OSHA closely monitors a company’s TRIR and may perform surprise inspections if the TRIR is above average
- Insurance Companies: Insurance companies can use the TRIR to gain insights into an organization
- Potential Employees, Investors, and Customers: These parties can also gain insight to an organization through the company’s TRIR
- And, Companies: Companies use the TRIR to evaluate and improve their health and safety management systems
Improving Your TRIR
A TRIR can be improved by strengthening safety training programs and conducting regular safety audits. Additional tips for improving/lowering your TRIR may include:
- Comprehensive safety training
- Hazard reporting systems
- Safety technology integrations
- Proper equipment usage
- And, Clear safety goals
Effects Of The TRIR
A company’s TRIR can also affect the EMR (Experience Modification Rate). A high TRIR means higher amounts of worker compensation claims which are handled under the EMR. However, not every injury results in a compensation claim. If an injury does not result in a compensation claim, the TRIR does not affect the EMR.
A TRIR that is above the industry average (1.0), can also affect the contractors grade within their prequalification platform. Prequalification platforms may include ISNetworld®, Avetta®, and more.
Resources
If you are having trouble calculating your TRIR, contact JJ Safety, we can help.
If your TRIR is affecting your prequalification platform grade, give us a call at 866-627-3850.
Conclusion
The Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) is a key metric used to assess the safety performance of an organization. By calculating the number of recordable incidents per 100 full-time employees, it helps businesses track and improve their safety standards. A lower TRIR reflects a safer work environment, while a higher rate signals the need for enhanced safety protocols. Understanding and monitoring TRIR allows companies to foster a culture of safety, reduce risks, and ensure the well-being of their workforce.