Severity and Frequency
General Safety | 10-15 min
Summary
Understanding the relationship between injury severity and frequency is essential for effective safety management. Many organizations focus primarily on reducing total injury numbers (frequency), but this can lead to neglecting low-probability events that could cause fatalities or life-altering injuries (severity). A comprehensive approach addresses both dimensions of workplace risk.
Members get the full script, discussion questions, English + Spanish printable PDFs, and email delivery.
Start your 7-day free trialKey Points to Cover
- Severity and frequency are different dimensions of risk
- Reducing minor injuries doesn't automatically reduce serious ones
- High-severity hazards need robust controls regardless of frequency
- Fatal incidents often have different causes than minor injuries
- Address both serious hazards and frequent minor injuries
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should this safety talk take?
Plan for about 10-15 min, with extra time for questions and site-specific examples.
Can I tailor the discussion to my workplace?
Yes. Use the key points as a starting place and connect them to the tasks, equipment, and procedures your team uses.