Boosting Workplace Safety and Health with 5S: A Case Study at the IMU Construction Site

Abstract

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous economic sectors, which has a major role in workplace fatalities and accidents. Strategies for continuous improvement that can methodically improve occupational safety and health (OSH) are necessary to address this issue. Implementing the 5S program, a Japanese methodology rooted based on the Kaizen philosophy, is one of the ways to encourage workers in an organization to practice discipline, cleanliness in the workplace. This research was conducted to assess how well the 5S program contributed to improving OSH aspects at the International Medical University (IMU) Hospital construction site in Kuala Lumpur. The issue stems from the absence of organized and regular safety procedures at building sites, which raises the possibility of mishaps and lowers output. This study explores how such problems can be mitigated by employing a methodical approach, such as 5S. A qualitative research design using a survey methodology was employed. Field interviews and self-observation were used to collect primary data, and literature reviews were used to collect secondary data. The study covered the pre- and post-implementation phases of the 5S program and was carried out over three years (2018–2021). The findings reveal that all five of the 5S elements, Seiri (sort), Seiton (set in order), Seiso (shine), Seiketsu (standardize), and Shitsuke (sustain), had significantly improved OSH practices. These upgrades resulted in improved worker discipline, cleaner work environments, reduced material hazards, safer storage procedures, and safety compliance. In the future, the study recommends making the 5S practices a standard procedure in the Malaysian construction sector. In order to maintain the advancements made possible by this system, it also emphasizes the necessity of ongoing training, top management commitment, and regular audits.