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Still, plenty of organizations underestimate the importance of integrating EHS with lean principles. Rather than viewing it as an integral part of chasing continuous improvement in workplace safety and efficiency, they reduce it to an obligatory compliance checklist to go through every now and then. Today, we’ll cover the how and why behind continuous improvement for safety.
The Intrinsic Link Between Safety Inspections and Workplace Efficiency
An unsafe work environment is inherently inefficient. Without a structured plan for safety inspections, unnoticed potential threats can escalate into larger problems, diverting resources from standard operations and reducing overall efficiency. Needless to say, such consequences are undesirable and go fully against the principles of continuous improvement.
Simultaneously, for many organizations, EHS inspections aren’t seen as a beneficial practice useful for improving daily operations. Rather, many perceive them as a mere nuisance that gets in the way of things. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” – that’s precisely the kind of mindset that can often contribute to fostering a culture of negligence and quick, patchwork solutions to gain a hollow semblance of control. Nine times out of ten, the problems will return, and this time, finding a definitive fix won’t be as simple.
EHS Inspections – Integration & Prioritization of Safety for Continuous Improvement
Instead of seeing them as annoyances, companies should recognize the potential for continuous improvement in EHS and treat them as an opportunity. The importance of EHS inspections in ensuring workplace safety is clear – embracing them can foster a safer work environment, proactively and preemptively manage risks, and boost employee engagement.
Furthermore, EHS inspections are also a tool useful for establishing a positive feedback loop. Regularly practicing safety will help increase efficiency, but over time, the inspections themselves will take less time, which can then be spent on normal operations.
Benefits of Integrating EHS Inspections with Continuous Improvement in Workplace Safety
So, what’s so special about integrating EHS with lean manufacturing in general? Take a look at the range of benefits below.
Enhanced Safety
A commitment to safety as part of a broader continuous improvement methodology and strategy could lead to much greater efficiency in identifying and addressing hazards.
Proactive Risk Management
The earlier you detect a potential risk, the less likely you are to run into costly accidents and unnecessary downtime.
Employee Engagement
Valuing the safety of your employees and implementing appropriate measures will keep them engaged and their morale high.
Sustainable Improvement
Steadily refining your safety practices with the aim of pursuing continuous improvement in workplace safety allows you to maximize positive gains.
Reduced Waste
Streamlined safety processes help eliminate inefficiencies, leading to less waste in both time and resources.
The Takeaway
By integrating continuous improvement techniques with EHS inspections, you don’t just guarantee the safety of your employees – you can smooth out your manufacturing operations as a direct consequence as well.
Avatour is ready to help you take control of your continuous improvement efforts through remote inspections made possible with cutting-edge technology. Schedule a demo to see us in action today!
You may also read: Manufacturing Process Improvement Examples
