6S Lean: 5S + Safety

6S (otherwise known as 5S + Safety) is a system that aims to promote and sustain

a high level of productivity and safety throughout a workspace. While adhering
to the of Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain, the 6S method adds
the concept of Safety. 6S not only helps organizations promote efficient working
environments but also establishes a sustainable culture of safety.

The 6 S’s in 6S Lean:

1. Sort (Seiri) - often called “red tagging” where items and materials not
needed for work are removed.
2. Set in order (Seiton) - this step deals with organizing tools, equipment,
and other items by grouping them based on their function, putting
labels, and placing them in accessible areas so that when needed.
3. Shine (Seiso) - includes activities like cleaning the workplace,
maintaining its pleasant appearance, and using preventive steps to
keep workspaces tidy and clean.
4. Safety - the additional step which focuses on and setting preventive
controls to keep workers safe during work operations. Use a to identify
common warehouse and manufacturing hazards.
5. Standardize (Seiketsu) - is the method of establishing a new workplace
norm by providing visual reminders, setting expectations of workers’
responsibility, and Sustain (Shitsuke) - the long term goal and most
challenging step of the 6S method where standardized procedures
must be continuously applied until it becomes habitual.

Why Safety in 6S?

Safety should always be the topmost priority in every workplace. A safe working
environment positively affects productivity and quality. A safe workplace
creates a stress-free and healthy atmosphere where all workers feel safe and
secure. A clean and organized workplace can also make it easy to recognize
and control potential hazards.
The first step to safety is identifying existing hazards and those which are likely to
be present in the workplace. All employees must be aware of the different types
of and evaluate these hazards through these prerequisite methods carry out
standard safety procedures and necessary controls to reduce or eliminate these
hazards.
Workers should also wear appropriate as an additional protection to hazards
which are difficult to control or cannot be eliminated. PPE includes hard hats,
safety goggles, face masks, insulated gloves, slip-resistant boots, and a lot more.
The and other safety protocols must be disseminated to all workers through
training and Achieving 100% safety is never an easy task, but through
incorporating safety to the original 5S method, you can help improve working
conditions in your organization. Workers can not only focus on completing tasks
for the day but can also habitually contribute to the overall workplace safety.