There continues to be intense discussion in the environmental, health, and safety (EHS) audit community over how to evaluate the performance of audit programs. EHS professionals know that simply tracking the number of audit findings yields little meaningful data. This article evaluates key audit program metrics that could be used to better assess audit program performance.

Businesses use key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress toward specific health and safety goals or simply to monitor trends associated with corporate and facility activities or special projects. KPIs are used as a means to collect data and communicate trends, which can then be used to indicate where further improvements and resources are required. This article reviews the basics of establishing and managing KPIs.