To recap, our definition of "5S for Safety/Security/Health" is as follows.
Sort: Making sure that there is ONLY what you need
Set: Making sure you have ONLY the things you need in the right quantities at the right time
Shine: Making sure that the conditions of Sort and Set are always visible
Standardize: Maintaining the states of Sort, Set, and Shine
Sustain: Practicing/repeating/establishing "Sort, Set, Shine, and Standardize" and turning them into habits practiced by individuals.
The original meaning of Sustain in the Japanese version of the 5Ss is 'Shitsuke.' This term refers to discipline, manners, etiquette, and the like. It is a somewhat formal expression, a word that evokes a certain way of being.
As for "Sustain," according to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary,
1: to give support or relief to
2: to supply with sustenance: nourish
3: keep up, prolong
4: to support the weight of: prop
　also: to carry or withstand (a weight or pressure)
5: to buoy up
6a: to bear up under
b: suffer, undergo
7a: to support as true, legal, or just
b: to allow or admit as valid
8: to support by adequate proof: confirm
Of these, meanings 1, 2, 3, and 4 stand out as more relevant to our context. In particular, "to give support," seems to capture the essence of sustain within this framework.
Based on the meanings and context of both Shitsuke and Sustain, the concept involves more than simple maintenance. We should "Sort" out only the necessary things and "Set" them to ensure they are present in the right quantities at the right time, "Shine" to keep these conditions of Sort and Set visible, and "Standardize," to maintain these states. To truly "Sustain" these principles, we must empower individual workers to practice, repeat, and internalize these disciplines, creating a culture of Safety/Security/Health. The key is how to maintain and continue the discipline.
A consultant that I have known for a long time once told me, "Habit = Depth of Awareness x Repetition." This formula highlights that with deep awareness, it is possible to create a Habit with little Repetition. Conversely, with shallow Awareness, it takes more Repetition to form a habit.
For example, suppose a person tries to cross a road without looking both ways and almost gets hit by a car. In this scenario, it is not difficult to imagine that the person will steadily develop the habit of looking both ways before crossing the next time because this person has experienced a deep awareness of the danger to life. Hazard Simulation Training, which we are actively engaged in as a part of our worker safety commitment, is precisely the kind of training that relies on this principle and encourages the habit of being aware of danger.
We are currently refining our training methods to address the brutal facts in Hazard Simulation Training.
In addition to clarifying how each simulated hazard covered in the training directly relates to on-site operations, we are preparing an environment where when employees change roles, we ensure that they undergo simulation and training tailored to their new environment before entering the workplace.
In contrast, forming habits like morning calisthenics requires a different approach because it does not evoke the same immediate sense of personal danger. In such cases, it is vital that workers understand the purpose and benefits of the practice and that these are clearly explained to them.
With this in mind, we have incorporated calisthenics into our new employee training programs, bringing in an official instructor and even encouraging some of our staff members to obtain their own certification. These efforts aim to "Sustain" this practice and make it a habit by combining deep awareness and consistent repetition.
By practicing, repeating, and internalizing such measures, we raise awareness of danger and risks, and also develop habits that help avoid them. Over time, these practices move from a conscious effort to subconscious behavior.
However, there is a risk that habituation may dull awareness of danger, leading individuals to take risks without realizing it.
To counter this, it is necessary to periodically revisit the purpose of safety measures, reassess assumptions, and consider changes in the environment. By doing so, we reinforce the discipline to recognize and address risks.
In summary, "Sustain" means fostering a culture in which every worker is committed to the discipline of "The Pursuit of 0 Accidents." It involves continuously practicing, repeating, and reinforcing these habits to maintain a renewed focus on safety first.
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