What is a safety gap analysis?

A safety gap analysis is a systematic approach to identify and assess the differences—or gaps—between a company's current safety practices and the safety standards that are established or recommended. This process involves evaluating existing safety policies, procedures, and operational practices against recognized standards, best practices, or compliance regulations.

By conducting a safety gap analysis, an organization can pinpoint areas where improvements are needed, ensuring that they enhance their safety culture, comply with legal requirements, and ultimately reduce the risk of workplace incidents. The insights gained from this analysis are crucial for developing targeted action plans to close those gaps, fostering a safer work environment.

The other choices do not accurately define a safety gap analysis. A review of financial performance pertains to understanding economic aspects of the business rather than safety practices. Evaluating employee performance is focused on individual or team productivity rather than on safety standards. A tool for market analysis of safety equipment relates to assessing market conditions and products rather than evaluating internal safety practices against established standards.