Tool Safety
It’s easy to forget how dangerous tools can be. They’re around every worksite, in constant use. But tool safety is everyone’s responsibility. Training is the first step in tool safety. Employees can’t be expected to know the proper operation of a tool. Train them on even basic tools, but especially power tools. Maintain tools to…
Dan Clark | July 8, 2014 | Podcast, Tool Safety | Organized Workplace, PPE, Safety, Tool Organization, Workplace Safety | 3 min read
Lean Safety
Lean safety is the result of implementing “lean” methodology. Lean makes businesses less wasteful, more efficient and more profitable. An efficient workplace is a safer workplace. Simultaneous increases in efficiency and safety are seen at a Minnesota factory. The assembly line was dismantled and repositioned so workers did not have to physically move materials manually…
Dan Clark | July 7, 2014 | Lean Manufacturing, Lean Safety, Podcast | 5S, Facility Efficiency, Lean Manufacturing, Organized Workplace, Safety, Workplace Safety | 3 min read
Hazard Labels
Hazard labels give critical information. Labels are the glue that hold the whole safety system together. From manufacturing to office settings, proper labeling of hazards is important for employee safety, and fit well with 5S, Six Sigma and Lean systems. Hazard labels should be put on dangerous chemical containers to GHS standards, and pipes. The…
Dan Clark | July 1, 2014 | GHS Labeling, Podcast, Signs and Labels | GHS, Hazcom, Labeling, Organized Workplace, Pipe marking, Safety, Workplace Safety | 3 min read
Safety Housekeeping
This is the story of tragedy that could have been avoided with better safety housekeeping. Here, we detail a fatal accident at a sugar refinery in Wyoming, and review of the OSHA citations. A Gemba walk by managers, or a safety inspection by employees, could have identified the easily-resolved problems. Safety housekeeping is absolutely essential.…
Dan Clark | June 5, 2014 | OSHA inspection, Podcast, Safety Housekeeping | Facility Marking, Gemba, Labeling, Organized Workplace, OSHA, Safety, Safety Signs, Workplace Safety | 3 min read
5S Red Tags
Increase efficiency by red-tagging items you don’t need immediately. Store them or get rid of them. Red tagging is part of “Sort”, one of the five elements of a Japanese system of streamlining manufacturing called 5S. The five elements of 5S are Sort, Set In Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. If you’re eager to improve…
Dan Clark | May 28, 2014 | 5S, Podcast, Red Tags | 5S, Facility Efficiency, Lean Manufacturing, Organized Workplace, Safety, Tool Organization, Workplace Safety | 3 min read