To measure our performance, we need an effective way to track progress in implementing the strategy. The Ministry of Labour is responsible for the system-wide performance measurement framework, which will be used to monitor and track progress, prepare annual reports on the strategy and drive evidence-based decision-making. The performance framework will be used to help re-evaluate system efforts each year and determine whether or not our course needs to be adjusted.

Performance measurement framework

The occupational health and safety performance measurement framework will be used to monitor and track progress of the OHS system, prepare annual reports on the strategy and drive evidence-based decision making

At the core of the framework is the occupational health and safety system. The performance measure for the occupational health and safety system is the number of occupational illnesses, injuries and fatalities.

Surrounding the occupational health and safety system are six strategic priories:

  • assist the most vulnerable workers
  • support improvements in small business
  • address the highest hazards that result in occupational health and safety injury, illness, or fatality
  • integrate service delivery and system-wide planning
  • build collaborative partnerships between occupational health and safety service delivery partners
  • promote a culture of health and safety

Each priority has two to three corresponding performance measures. The performance measures by priority area are as follows:

  • Priority: Assist the most vulnerable workers
    • Performance measures:
      1. Number of targeted OHS system interactions to support vulnerable workers
      2. Number of occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities among vulnerable workers
      3. Number of new vulnerability identifiers captured by the OHS system
  • Priority: Support occupational health and safety improvements in small business
    • Performance measures:
      1. Number of small businesses engaged
      2. Number of occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities among workers in small businesses
  • Priority: Address the highest hazards that result in occupational health and safety injury, illness or fatalities
    • Performance measures:
      1. Number of OHS system interventions targeting the conditions of work with the highest rates of injuries, illnesses & fatalities
      2. Number of occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities associated with the conditions of work with the highest rates of injury, disease, and death
  • Priority: Integrate service delivery and system-wide planning
    • Performance measures:
      1. Proportion of health and safety initiatives planned and delivered in an integrated manner
      2. Budget allocated towards cross-sector priorities (e.g. supporting vulnerable workers, small businesses etc.)
  • Priority: Build collaborative partnerships between occupational health and safety service delivery partners
    • Performance measures:
      1. Number of collaborative partnerships
      2. Number of collaborative partnerships designed to reach new audiences
  • Priority: Promote a culture of health and safety
    • Performance measures:
      1. Proportion of workers and employers who understand their rights and responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
      2. Number of requests for information made to OHS service delivery providers

The measures below were selected based on system-level priorities and the availability of data to support measurement. Over the long-term, the ministry will develop a full suite of qualitative and quantitative output and outcome measures, including lagging and leading indicators.

To be able to measure progress, we need to be innovative in the way we collect and use data. The first step will be to build a robust data system that will improve the ability to capture and report data. We must also develop new ways to use data analytics to better understand and identify risk, and help focus resources where they will have the greatest impact. The data system is a longer-term goal. However, a fully functional data system is a critical step in improving the system’s accountability.