ASTM E3519-26

1.1 In this guide, criteria are established for recording serious incident and fatality (SIF) events other than work-related SIF injuries and illnesses covered in Guide E2920. Recording and comparing these incidents can aid in continuously improving management systems; identifying and preventing serious incidents; measuring organizational performance; evaluating safety, environmental protection, and business continuity programs; and ensuring consistency in international comparisons and benchmarking.

The measurement system is intended to be precise, accurate, resistant to manipulation, meaningful for safety evaluations, and suitable for global accountability.

1.2 Objectives: 

• 1.2.1 Establish a standardized and objective framework for recording serious incidents,
• 1.2.2 Facilitate the use of serious event rates as a means of evaluating programs designed to control such events, and
• 1.2.3 Provide a foundation for meaningful comparison of serious event rates across industries and countries.

1.3 This guide outlines the definitions and procedures necessary to maintain records of serious incidents.

1.4 Key elements of this guide include:

• 1.4.1 Defining serious incident events,
• 1.4.2 Categorizing severity levels of serious incident events, and
• 1.4.3 Specifying methods for calculating serious incident event rates.

1.5 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

4.1 In this guide, significant non-injury events are defined in a clear, measurable manner to facilitate consistent application across countries. This guide can be used during implementation of occupational health and safety management systems standards such as ISO 45001, ISO 45004, ANSI/ASSP Z10.0, and ANSI/ASSP Z16.1. The collected data will support the evaluation, comparison, and continuous improvement of management systems and programs focused on worker safety and health, environmental protection, and operational stability, including the identification and prevention of serious events.

While events may vary in severity, the primary objective is to identify cases with the potential for severe consequences, offering valuable insights for prevention. The resulting data and incidence rates will contribute to more consistent global benchmarking. The following levels and associated criteria have been established to classify incidents:

4.1.1  An aSIF incident resulted in the release of lethal energy, had significant impact to the environment, or resulted in operational disruptions. This level of incident is designed to be benchmarkable, meaning it is structured and standardized to enable meaningful comparisons across organizations, industries, and time periods.

4.1.2  pSIF incidents have not resulted in an aSIF incident as defined in this guide. However, they are determined to have the potential to result in the release of lethal energy, impacts to the environment, or result in business disruption were it not for specific safeguards or countermeasures.

4.1.2.1 Identifying and addressing pSIF incidents enables organizations to prevent serious incidents proactively by focusing on hazards before they lead to irreversible impacts or harm. Encouraging the identification and reporting of pSIFs is essential to improving workplace safety, environmental protection, and operational stability.

4.1.2.2 pSIF identification supports the effective assessment of whether safeguards are properly implemented and followed. A key principle in evaluating the potential impact of a pSIF incident is determining whether safeguards were in place and effectively mitigated the severity of the event potentially preventing it from escalating into an aSIF incident.

4.1.2.3 The ideal condition is one in which workers, the environment, assets, and the public are protected from hazardous energy through targeted, properly installed, and verified safeguards that eliminate or mitigate harmful exposure, even in cases in which human error occurs. Since successful safeguard implementation is observable, such cases should be identified and analyzed to assess whether the safeguards are adequate and well maintained.

4.1.2.4 If safeguards are absent, ineffective, not followed, or fail to perform as intended leaving the risk of serious injury or fatality unaddressed, corrective actions shall be taken to prevent future occurrences.

4.1.3  These incidents are typically required to be recorded to ensure compliance with relevant national, state, provincial, or local laws and regulations across various jurisdictions. While reporting these cases is not mandatory under this guide, it is likely to remain compulsory in many jurisdictions.

4.1.4 Risk)— This level does not involve an actual incident. Instead, it captures conditions or constraints created by systems and processes that are likely to have the energy or potential to result in an aSIF. SIF_Risk will eventually result in a serious or fatal injury/illness if allowed to continue. Evaluating identified SIF risks is crucial for preventing future SIF incidents.

4.2 Applying This Guide in Conjunction with Injury Classification Standards:

4.2.1 The application of the SIF incident standard in conjunction with injury classification standards, such as Guide E2920, is not intended to create duplicate cases from a single incident or event. It is reasonable to predict that there will be incidents that result in both aSIF or pSIF injury cases and result in aSIF or pSIF incidents. These events could include:

• 4.2.1.1 A fire event that meets the aSIF incident definition and resulted in one or more pSIF injuries,
• 4.2.1.2 A chemical release that meets the pSIF incident definition and resulted in one or more aSIF injuries (Guide E2920 Level One or Level Two injuries), or
• 4.2.1.3 Other similar combinations of event outcomes.

4.2.2 For recording the classification of events that result in both SIF incident and SIF injury cases, the following recording guidance is provided:

• 4.2.2.1 Record each impact from the single event, such as injuries, asset damage, environmental damage, and operational loss. Select all impact categories that apply to the event.
• 4.2.2.2 Alternatively, if your organization’s management system does not allow for recording multiple impacts from a single event:
  • (1) If the event has results in one benchmarkable case and one non-benchmarkable case, record the case under the benchmarkable criteria (either for injury or incident).
  • (2) If the event results in more than one benchmarkable case (that is, aSIF incident with one or more Guide E2920 Level One or Level Two injuries), record the outcome that is more significant for benchmarking purposes.