LTIFR? what is this and how to calculate, an important Social factor with examples

Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) is a key workplace safety metric used to measure the frequency of injuries that result in employees being unable to work their next scheduled shift. (at least one full workday.)

Calculated as the number of lost time injuries per one million hours worked, LTIFR provides a standardized way to assess safety performance across different sites, industries, and time periods. ==> A important "Social" factor that required and need to be disclose in ESG/ sustainability report based on different reporting framework.

A high LTIFR may indicate operational hazards, insufficient safety controls, or gaps in employee training, whereas a declining LTIFR demonstrates improved risk management and healthier workplace practices.

As an important ESG indicator under the “Social” pillar, LTIFR helps organizations enhance transparency, meet regulatory requirements, compare results across sites or industries and reinforce their commitment to employee well‑being and responsible business operations.

The simple formula is:

LTIFR = (Number of Lost Time Injuries × 1,000,000) ÷ Total Hours Worked

Companies may also use 200,000 hours depending on the industry, but the purpose is the same: creating a standardized rate.

What counts as a Lost Time Injury?

A Lost Time Injury (LTI) is any work‑related injury or illness that results in an employee being unable to work the next scheduled shift.

Examples include:

• Fractures

• Severe cuts requiring time off

• Back injuries from lifting

• Chemical burns

• Workplace accidents needing recovery days

Minor injuries that require first aid but do not cause missed workdays are not LTIs.

Some simple Examples

Example 1A: manufacturing plant records:

• 3 lost time injuries in a year

• 500,000 total hours worked

LTIFR = (3 × 1,000,000) ÷ 500,000 = 6

Meaning:

For every 1 million hours worked, the company had 6 injuries that caused lost workdays.

Example 2A: logistics company has:

• 1 lost time injury

• 250,000 hours worked

LTIFR = (1 × 1,000,000) ÷ 250,000 = 4

Meaning:

The company experienced an LTIFR of 4, indicating relatively good safety performance.

Example 3: High‑Risk SectorA construction site records:

• 10 LTIs

• 1,200,000 hours worked

LTIFR = (10 × 1,000,000) ÷ 1,200,000 ≈ 8.33

Meaning:An LTIFR of 8.33 indicates elevated risk and likely need for stricter safety measures.

Why LTIFR is important for Corporates?

• Shows how safe the workplace is

• Helps meet ESG and occupational safety compliance

• Facilitates benchmarking with industry standards

• Highlights areas that need safety training or controls

• Provides transparency to investors and regulators

A falling LTIFR usually signals improving safety performance, while a rising LTIFR may indicate gaps in procedures, training, or equipment.

References & additional readings

1. https://www.canadasafetytraining.com/Safety_Blog/lost-time-injury-safety-kpis.aspx

2. https://www.safeopedia.com/lost-time-injury-frequency-rate-ltifr-what-it-is-and-how-to-reduce-yours/2/6771

3. https://www.creativesafetysupply.com/lost-time-case-rate-calculator/

4. https://www.ecoonline.com/en-ca/blog/lost-time-injury-frequency/

5. https://global.toyota/pages/global_toyota/sustainability/report/sdb/sdb24_en.pdf

6. https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/gem/2024/0411/2024041101062.pdf

#LTIFR #WorkplaceSafety #HealthAndSafety #SafetyPerformance #OccupationalSafety #HSE

#RiskManagement #EmployeeWellbeing #InjuryPrevention #SafetyCulture