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inFOCUS

HOW 5S

feature
METHODOLOGY

HELPS MANAGE

COVID-19 WORKPLACE

HAZARDS

S methodology is COVID-19 or other » Compare current The implementation of 5S
5an effective way to contamination conditions against Workplace Organisation
organise safe and efficient standards for auditing requires understanding of
workplaces in production SET-IN-ORDER » Use objective standards fundamental Lean principles,
areas and offices and » Clearly identify social so management can ergonomics, visual
a useful technique to distancing areas enforce (only if necessary) management, learning
aid COVID-19 hazard » Minimise handling and compliance with COVID-19 cycles, communications etc.
management. contamination of materials protection and other Without training, 5S is not
Companies often do big and equipment regulatory requirements easy to implement.
tidy-ups, perhaps prompted » Safely store available PPE
by an important customer with visual stock control SUSTAIN COVID-19 Hazard
visit. But, despite everyone’s » Maintain safer work Management
best intentions, unsafe and SHINE areas for employees and 5S workplace organisation
inefficient untidiness soon » Establish anti-COVID-19 customers is just one part of wider
returns. 5S (sometimes cleaning routines » Ensure employee risk assessments and
known as 5C) is a five-step » Clean and sanitise work engagement for a safe, management necessary to
process for implementing area and items efficient workplace counter COVID-19 hazards.
sustained safe and efficient » Systematic management- Risk assessments
workplace organisation. STANDARDISE led auditing regime must be thoroughly
» Define hygiene standards » Continued identification conducted before 5S
How 5S workplace for COVID-19 and other of improvement workplace organisation
organisation works hazards opportunities is implemented to ensure
» Use visual aids for training 5 all safety concerns are
SORT properly addressed.
» Minimise items and
surfaces needing to be 4 For more information about
sanitised to prevent appropriate and effective
3
SUSTAIN risk assessments, see the
2 (custom & UK Government Health and
practice)
STANDARDISE Safety Executive website:
1 SHINE (conformity) www.hse.gov.uk including
a PDF on working safely
(clean-to-check) during COVID-19 which
SET IN can be found here.
ORDER
SORT (configure)
(clearout)

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