Data centers operate under intense demands for reliability, speed, and scale, making robust Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) management a strategic imperative. Yet the industry’s reliance on lagging indicators like Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) limits proactive risk management. TRIR fails to capture severity, emerging risks, or system resilience, and in low- incident environments like data center operations, it becomes statistically unstable and potentially misleading (Hallowell et al., 2020).
This white paper explores the limitations of TRIR across both construction and operational phases, two distinct environments with vastly different risk profiles. It proposes a more effective approach: separating TRIR by phase and integrating leading indicators tailored to each. These proactive metrics focus on risk identification, safety behaviors, and system health, offering a clearer, more actionable view of EHS performance. By shifting from reactive to predictive measurement, organizations can drive continuous improvement, strengthen safety culture, and build stakeholder trust.
Why EHS Metrics Matter in Data Centers
Across the data center landscape, training related to NFPA 70E and related OSHA regulations varies depending on the knowledge needed and the jobs being performed. There are three primary methods of training delivery: online, hybrid online/in-person, and in-person training. While there are advantages and disadvantages to each format, the industry best practice is training delivered via the hybrid model (ELM Learning, 2023). This approach ensures both efficiency and hands-on, comprehensive learning. Key takeaways such as definitions, risk assessment methods, electrical analysis, and boundary distances can be discussed and tested online. Critical safety topics that require thorough hands-on experience, such as lockout/tagout, job safety planning, and PPE usage can be covered in-person.
Compliance with NFPA and OSHA regulations is paramount within the data center environment. A robust and comprehensive training program should serve as the foundation for compliant practices. Without appropriate training and comprehension, those who work within the data center space are exposed to electrical hazards at a higher risk, with the consequences potentially leading to severe injury or death. Routine audits, reviews, and revisions of relevant training programs and safety protocols are essential to incorporate guidance related to new risks and improve current practices.
Download the full whitepaper Measuring What Matters: Rethinking EHS Metrics in the Data Center Industry.
About the Data Center Safety Council
Data Center Safety Council was created to establish a unified approach towards ensuring safety and wellbeing of personnel in data center operations. The vision is to create a forum where health and safety professionals work collaboratively as an industry group to improve data center worker safety wholistically. Together, member companies will address common issues and seek long-term solutions with vendors and suppliers for the benefit and safety of data center workers.