Posted By Barry Bruce Dear all, We have a sister company in the USA who have had no LTA's in 2 years - this is quite a statistic going by what I know about our industry - heavy industrial manufacturing and USA safety. Also, a quick search on the net came up with this extrodinary set of stats from another American company.............................. http://www.newmont.com/n...alth-safety/no-lost-time Quite unbelievable IMHO So, does anyone know the defintions of LTA's in America, what the safety culture is like and whether we should believe these statistics? Comments please?

Posted By Barry Bruce Yes, its quite right that people should be proud of statistics like that, but I am somewhat synical that the link I attached is true, especially given that mining is one of the most dangerous and hazardous industries.

Posted By Andrew Murdy Lost time injuries are measured based on one day following the day of the incident so generally consistent with other countries. The rates will be 'accurate' because there are significant checks and balances between the OSHA logs and record keeping requirements and the workers compensation returns. And performance in the US can be brilliant or appalling depending on the level of management commitment. One difference is the way in which injuries can be managed. There can be a far more aggressive intervention in the medical treatment prescribed by company paid for medical services than you get through other medical arrangements. It is possible for the company to clearly outline a normal duties package which requires zero heavy lifting for example which could avoid a lost time injury and that is quite normal. Drop me a line if you need further info!

Posted By John J Barry, in the US the final decision on classification of an accident is usually based on a occupational health doctor stating what duties the injured person is able to do. This means many cases will end up as restricted workday cases rather than lost time. In the UK a person can self certify or, in many cases, the doctor will simply sign them off sick as they are not qualified to assess an employees capability to work (or its easier to save time). This will usually trip your 3 day RIDDOR or, for those of us on both systems, your Days Away Case. John

Posted By Jay Joshi A better indicator is TRIR (Total Recordable Incidence Rate) or the total number of OSHA Recordables, that will include what I had referred to earlier. We are a global company and use OSHA criteria for out statistics. We have had more Total Recordables using the OSHA system compared to GB RIDDOR. The main difference arises due to the "Medical Treatment Cases". We have had 3 such cases in the last 3 years, all minor stitches on cuts or antibiotics prescribed, but the injured persons returning to work on the same day on same duties! None were reportable under RIDDOR! Therefore, In my view, the OSHA system is more stringent-yes, an occupational health physician can give a final verdict, but it in any case, a medical treatment or a restricted work injury is also recordable--it simply does not appear in the LTA stats--so compare the TRA stats!