Water Well Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/767379
The primary benefit of using the EMR as a performance indicator is it is directly related to operational costs. The rate has also already been normal- ized for company size, payroll data, nature of operations, and other factors. Therefore, no other data is needed for comparison. However, there are some limitations in using EMR as a sole performance indicator. The rate is averaged over a significant period of time. Thus an employer who has improved safety performance may still suffer the impact of previous years of poor performance, while an employer with a good EMR who has let safety decline will have a lower EMR until losses enter the formula. Additionally, when a claim occurs, the insurer establishes a reserve, which may equal the maximum probable loss from that injury. However, claims- reserving practices differ among insur- ance carriers, which is another limitation of the EMR or other measures based on insurance claims data. Look for part two of the series in the February issue, which will examine process-oriented methodology for measuring safety performance, such as safety audits and safety training. WWJ Jerome E. Spear, CSP, CIH, is president of J.E. Spear Consulting and has more than 22 years of experience helping organizations prevent injuries and illnesses, control losses, and achieve regulatory compliance. He held the positions of technical services manager with XL Specialty Risk Con- sulting and corporate industrial hygiene manager for Chicago Bridge and Iron Co., a worldwide steel fabricator and construction company. Twitter @WaterWellJournl WWJ January 2017 41 R C N CTERIA! 096 2 . ORE, ALER! USH + WELL Jr. Blvd. • Lubbock, TX 79404 747.2096 • coteychemical.com N BA FOR CHOICE WEAPONS R W 806 7 U A M 7 4410 MLK 806.7