Warehouse Safety Tips | Episode 1 | 5S Methodology

On this first episode of Warehouse Safety Tips - we're going to go over a high level explanation of The 5S Methodology - and what the S's of 5S are. We even have a BONUS S for you. 

You can find the show notes to each episode, links to information mentioned on the podcast, the social media platforms we're on, and anything else related to the podcast at WarehouseSafetyTips.com.

The subject of 5S is something that you need to familiarize yourself with very securely.  

Here are just a few of the reasons why.

One - it will make you more organized.

Two - it will make you more productive.

Three - it will make your environment much safer.

Fourth - but certainly not least, all of the above mentioned reasons save time and money.  And that makes EVERYONE happier!

Next - I'd like to identify two types of people.

Your either someone who knows almost nothing about 5S - or your someone who works with it every day.  If your that first person mentioned - then hopefully this information helps introduce you to the subject.  If you're the second - a refresher of why it's SO important never hurts.  

Even though we'll dive deeper into each part of the 5S Methodology on future Podcasts and on our WarehouseSafetyTips.com site - today we'll be giving a high level look at the all the S's of 5S - including that Bonus S mentioned at the start of the Podcast.

Developed in Japan – 5S Methodology is a philosophy that advocates using specific steps to organize the workplace as well as working practices. Its goals are to improve efficiency and eliminate waste as well as improving safety and morale in the workplace.

There's a Japanese Word synonymous with The 5S Methodology.  That word is “Kaizen”.  It comes from the words “Kai” (Which means change) and “Zen” (Which means to make good/better). Put them together – and you have the principle of constant improvement and/or a change for the better.

The steps to improve efficiency are:

Sort (Seiri): This step is where you sort and categorize items - and separate what is needed – allowing only the bare essentials needed for operation and removing everything else. The elimination of excessive items frees up space, saves time, improves process flow, and allows staff to operate efficiently.

Next, we have - 

Straighten or Set in Order (Seiton): This step is arranging items that are needed so that they are easy to locate, transport, use, identify locations for all items so that anyone can find them. Once the task is completed, return the items to specified locations.

After that, we come to - 

Shine (Seiso): Clean the workplace and equipment on a regular basis in order to increase safety, maintain standards and identify defects.

Before moving on to our next S - here's a word from one of our sponsors.

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Now back to the Podcast...

Next, it's time to - 

Standardize (Seiketsu): Revisit the first three of the 5S on a regular and frequent basis and evaluate the condition of the workplace.

Now over the years, there has been an additional S added to the mix - which actually makes the 5S Methodology - 6S Methodology, and that's -

Safety:  The addition of SAFETY means you should constantly be looking around your facility to identify issues that can or could possibly affect your staff, production, service, and/or your overall facility - and work to eliminate those issues.

And what in the past would have been the 5th S - but is now the 6th is - 

Sustain (Shitsuke): Maintain the standard and improve every day.  This S allows you to strive for continuous improvement!

If you visit WarehouseSafetyTips.com - you'll find the Show Notes for this episode.  In those show notes - we’ve provided the Japanese Word for each corresponding step of the 5S Methodology.

As previously mentioned - we'll dive deeper into each part of the 5S Methodology on future Podcasts and on our WarehouseSafetyTips.com site - but until then, I hope you enjoyed the basic layout of the NEW and Improved 5S Methodology.

Thank you for listening to Episode One of Warehouse Safety Tips - and have SAFE day!