1.1This guide is intended to establish definitions and criteria for recording occupational injuries and illnesses to be used for measuring safety performance, evaluating safety program performance, and improving consistency when comparing international performance. A measurement system is desired that is precise and accurate, difficult to manipulate, significant and meaningful for safety program evaluation, and appropriate for accountability purposes in a global environment.

1.2Objectives of the occupational injury and illness measurement guide are as follows:

1.3In this guide, definitions and procedures necessary to maintain work-related injury and illness records and incidence rates are covered.

1.4Key elements of this guide include work relationship, definition of injuries and illnesses, levels of severity of occupational incidents, accountability for contractor relationships, and specifications for injury and illness rate calculations.

1.5Units—The values stated in English (or Imperial) units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only.

1.6This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. This standard is not a substitute for any legally required injury and illness recordkeeping obligations.