Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR)
Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR)
What is Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR)?
TRIR is the number of workers who got hurt or sick while doing their work in the jobsite. It helps to understand how safe or risky the workplace is. A lower TRIR indicates a safer workplace; while, a higher TRIR indicates an unsafe workplace for its employees.
What counts as a “recordable” incident?
A “recordable” incident is a work-related injury or illness that is serious enough to be officially reported. According to OSHA an incident is recordable if it includes any of the following:
● Medical treatment beyond first aid (like stitches, prescription medicine, or a cast)
● Injuries from workplace accidents like falls, cuts, burns, or machine-related issues
● Time off from work due to the injury or illness
● A diagnosed serious illness, like hearing loss or a skin disease
● Restricted work, that is, the employee can't do their normal job duties
● Loss of consciousness
In short, if an injury or illness affects how someone works or needs more than basic first aid, it's usually considered a recordable incident.
Why is TRIR important for a company?
TRIR is important because it helps companies understand how safe their work environment is. If the TRIR is high, it means many workers are getting injured or sick while working, which is not good for the company or its people.
On the other hand, a low TRIR means the company is taking good care of its workers by following safety practices, giving proper training, and using safety equipment. This builds trust among employees and shows that their health and safety matter.
Moreover, many clients, investors, and government bodies look at TRIR to decide if a company is responsible and reliable. Thus, a lower TRIR can help the company get more business opportunities, avoid legal trouble, and maintain a strong reputation in the industry.
In short, TRIR is like a report card for workplace safety – it shows how safe the company really is.
How can companies lower their TRIR?
Companies can lower their TRIR by creating a safer and more aware workplace. Here are some simple ways to do that:
● Use safety equipment like helmets, gloves, goggles, etc., wherever needed.
● Give proper safety training to all employees so they know how to work safely.
● Identify and fix hazards early before they cause accidents.
● Follow safety rules and procedures strictly, every day.
● Encourage workers to report unsafe conditions or near-misses without fear.
● Review past incidents and learn from them to prevent future ones.
How does technology help in reducing TRIR?
Technology plays a significant role in making workplaces safer and lowering TRIR. Here’s how:
● Artificial Intelligence (AI) can analyze data to predict when and where accidents might happen. This helps in taking action before something goes wrong.
● Internet of Things (IoT) devices like smart helmets, sensors, and wearables can track workers' health, location, and exposure to harmful conditions in real-time.
● Cameras powered by computer vision can automatically detect unsafe behaviours like PPE non-compliance, crossing safety zones, or slips, trips and falls, without human monitoring.
● Edge AI processes data directly on-site – without sending it to the cloud – allowing instant alerts and faster decision-making in critical situations.
Article by
Barnali Sharma
Content Writer
Barnali Sharma is a dedicated content contributor for viAct. A university gold medalist with an MBA in Marketing, she crafts compelling narratives, enhances brand engagement, and develops data-driven marketing campaigns. When she’s not busy working her content alchemy, Barnali can be found commanding stages with her public speaking or turning data into stories that actually make sense -because who said analytics can’t have a little creativity?