Published by Occupational Health and Safety
Cogent Analytics Project Director, Rodney Shuck, recently wrote an article that was published by Occupational Health and Safety. The article titled, The Sounds of Safety, provides valuable information about creating a safer work environment for all employees.
The country of Japan has the fastest, most efficient train system in the world. It transports more than 40 million people each year, and the “Point and Call” safety system is given credit for its high efficiency. This system has been proven to avoid mistakes by requiring every worker to call out what they are doing or what is happening as they point to it. For example, “I’ve checked the engines” or “I am closing the doors right now.”
The Japanese Industrial and Health Association adopted the “Point and Call” occupational safety method that requires co-action and co-reaction communication. The result is the engagement of the operators’ brains, eyes, mouths, hands, and ears (hence the term The Sounds of Safety). Gesturing and speaking out the status requires and maintains focus and attention. It guarantees intentionality and keeps the employees and riders safe. Efficiency increases productivity. While Japanese train drivers first used the method, it is now commonly used in other Japanese industries. It is also used in our own New York City subway system.
While some perceive this system as impractical for many businesses, it warrants consideration because it demonstrates that a relationship between safety, efficiency, and productivity exists. Efficiency is, in part, the result of a successful safety record. Efficiency always increases productivity. Productivity results in more significant revenue, and revenue drives everything in business. It all loops back to safety. There is enormous value in training and implementing safe work practices. As necessary, it is the responsibility of the business owner to provide a safe place for employees.
The three steps listed in the article are below, make sure to check out the full article to learn the why and how.
- Provide a Safe Physical Environment
- Establish a Written Evacuation Route
- Know the Risks of Vehicles on the Job
Read the full article, The Sounds of Safety, by Cogent Analytics Project Director, Rodney Shuck here in Occupational Health and Safety.
At Cogent Analytics, we never stop looking for ways to improve your business and neither should you. So, check out some of our other posts for helpful business information:
Cogent Analytics, Inc is a business management consulting firm, with a primary focus to help small to medium size, privately held businesses achieve success and long term profitability. Cogent provides powerful solutions with integrity and transparency to privately-held businesses throughout the United States.
