Practice good housekeeping in the workplace
Good housekeeping involves 5S or the principle of waste elimination. 5S was derived from the Japanese words seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu, and shitsuke. In English, they can be roughly translated as sort, set in order, clean, standardize, and sustain. The cornerstone of 5S is that untidy, cluttered work areas are not productive. As well as the physical implications of junk getting in everybody’s way and dirt compromising quality, we all are happier in a clean, tidy environment and hence more inclined to work hard with due care and attention. Good housekeeping is core element of lean thinking and a visual workplace and is a fundamental platform for world-class manufacturing.
To maintain a safe and healthy workplace, housekeeping must be a priority. Poor housekeeping can present hidden hazards that may cause incidents, including tripping on loose objects in walkways, being hit by falling objects, and slipping on wet or dirty surfaces.
Housekeeping tips include:
• Ensure all spills are immediately cleaned up. Replace worn, ripped and damaged flooring and place anti-slip flooring in areas that cannot continually be cleaned, such as an entrance.
• Maintain clean light fixtures to improve lighting efficiency.
• Keep aisles and stairways clear. Consider installing warning signs and mirrors to help improve sight lines in blind corners.
• Regularly inspect, clean and repair all tools. Do not use damaged tools.