Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) Calculation


Published 04/26/2025

LTIFR Calculation Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate Calculation and Example

In the complex world of workplace safety, understanding metrics such as the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) is crucial for ensuring a safe environment. The LTIFR is a measure used by companies to quantify how frequently employees are injured on the job, relative to the number of hours worked. By capturing injuries that result in time away from work, this calculation provides insights into both the effectiveness of existing safety protocols and areas needing improvement. But how exactly does one go about calculating this important rate?

To discuss how the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate Calculation works, we must first look at its components. The formula involves counting the number of lost time injuries (LTIs) within a specific period and then relating this figure to the total hours worked by all employees during that same timeframe. To standardize these numbers against industry benchmarks, the resulting figure is multiplied by 1,000,000. This multiplication allows companies of different sizes to compare their safety performance more easily.

Understanding LTIFR starts with identifying what qualifies as a lost time injury. It includes any incident that results in an employee being unable to perform their regular duties for at least one full work shift following an accident. This could range from slips and falls to more severe accidents involving machinery or hazardous materials. By narrowing down which incidents count towards LTIFR, organizations can focus on preventing those specific types of injuries.

Once you have identified your LTIs, it's time to delve into gathering accurate data for your calculations. Ensuring precise records of both working hours and injury reports is essential; without reliable data, any conclusions drawn from your LTIFR might lead you astray. Companies often employ dedicated health and safety officers or teams who meticulously track these figures and maintain up-to-date logs to ensure accuracy.

Monitoring your LTIFR helps create an ongoing dialogue about safety within your organization, prompting continuous assessment and enhancement of procedures designed to protect workers' well-being. Furthermore, regularly reviewing this metric encourages accountability among all levels of staff when it comes to maintaining safe practices.

Leveraging LTIFR effectively requires commitment across an organization; it's not just about crunching numbers but fostering a culture where everyone prioritizes safety every day they come into work. By using this valuable tool wisely, businesses can make informed decisions that safeguard their most important asset: their people. This forms a major part of your overall injury management system and safety management.

View LTIFR Examples


Guide to calculating the LTIFR

The Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) is a key safety metric that measures the number of lost time injuries (LTIs) occurring in a workplace relative to the total number of hours worked by employees during a specific period.

A Lost Time Injury (LTI) is any work-related injury that results in an employee being unable to attend their next scheduled work shift or perform their regular duties. This includes fatalities, permanent disabilities, and cases where an employee is absent for one day or more.

It's important to note though that the calculation can differ slightly across different regions and countries due to variations in reporting requirements, definitions of recordable injuries and other region specific factors. The below acts as a guide for a common approach but it's best to ensure you factor in region specific requirements as needed. For example, in some countries, the definition of a recordable injury can vary between companies and industries or some regions may exclude certain types of injuries or illnesses.

A common formula to calculate the LTIFR is:

LTIFR = Number of Lost Time Injuries X 1,000,000 / Total Hours Worked by All Employees

The multiplier of 1,000,000 is used to express the rate in terms of the number of LTIs per one million hours worked. This standardisation allows for comparisons between organisations of different sizes. Some organisations might use a different multiplier (i.e. 200,000) depending on industry standards or specific reporting requirements.

Example for calculating the LTIFR:

Determine the Number of Lost Time Injuries

Count the total number of LTIs that occurred within the reporting period (i.e. a month, quarter or year). Remember to include any injury that resulted in at least one full day or shift of absence or inability to perform regular duties.

Calculate the Total Hours Worked: Add up the total number of hours worked by all employees during the same reporting period. This includes ordinary hours and overtime but excludes leave.

Apply the Formula:

Plug the values from steps 1 and 2 into the LTIFR formula:

LTIFR = \frac{\text{Total LTIs} \times 1,000,000}{\text{Total Hours Worked}}

Example:

Suppose a company had 5 lost time injuries in a year and the total hours worked by all employees during that year was 2,000,000 hours. The LTIFR would be calculated as follows:

LTIFR = 5 X 1,000,000 / 2,000,000 =

5,000,000 / 2,000,000 = 2.5

This LTIFR of 2.5 indicates that there were 2.5 lost time injuries for every one million hours worked in that company during the reporting period.

Tracking the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate

In the bustling world of industry and construction, safety is a paramount concern that cannot be swept under the rug. Accidents happen, but understanding why it is important to track lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) can transform how organizations perceive and manage workplace safety. The LTIFR is more than just a number; it's a vital indicator of an organization's safety performance and culture. By keeping an eye on these metrics, companies can identify trends, anticipate potential risks, and implement strategies to mitigate them before they escalate into serious incidents.

Monitoring the LTIFR provides insights into the effectiveness of current safety protocols and helps highlight areas requiring improvement. A rising LTIFR might signal complacency or gaps in training programs that necessitate immediate attention. Conversely, a decreasing trend could signify successful interventions or enhanced employee awareness. Understanding why it is important to track lost time injury frequency rate enables companies to make data-driven decisions that protect their most valuable assets; their employees.

Tracking LTIFR plays a crucial role in compliance with regulatory standards set by occupational safety agencies worldwide. These bodies often require regular reporting on injury rates as part of their oversight responsibilities. Companies that fail to monitor their LTIFR risk falling foul of legal requirements, which can result in substantial fines and reputational damage. Staying compliant not only avoids these pitfalls but also fosters trust among clients and stakeholders who value transparency and accountability.

Beyond compliance, the human element cannot be ignored. Every statistic represents an individual whose life has been impacted by an incident at work. By recognizing this personal dimension within the data, organizations underscore their commitment to fostering a safer working environment for all employees. This commitment reflects positively on company morale and can enhance employee retention as workers feel valued and protected in their roles.

In today's competitive marketplace, reputation is everything, an intangible asset that speaks volumes about how a company conducts its business. Organizations known for prioritizing employee welfare through diligent tracking of metrics like the LTIFR often enjoy better public perception than those who do not prioritize such concerns. Customers increasingly prefer businesses that demonstrate corporate social responsibility by actively ensuring safe workplaces; thus, maintaining low injury rates becomes both a moral obligation and strategic advantage. Ultimately, knowing why it is important to track lost time injury frequency rate empowers businesses across industries with actionable intelligence necessary for continuous improvement in health and safety practices while simultaneously safeguarding workforce well being.

Use an Injury Management System to Calculate and Track the LTIFR

Doing this manually an be difficult and complex, try an injury management system to do it for you

Discover our Injury Management System here:



Get Started Free
Create your first Incident Report form or choose from our form templates and start recording incidents in the field