The Six Sigma approach in performance management to improve safety culture at work. (15th September 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lok, Peter; Rhodes, Jo; Diamond, Abe; Bhatia, Nitin
• Is Part Of: International journal of six sigma and competitive advantage. Volume 4:Number 2(2008)
• Page Start: 151
• Page End: 171
• Publication Date: 2008-09-15
• Subjects: six sigma -- performance management -- safety culture -- continuous improvement -- define measure analyse improve control -- DMAIC -- injury rate -- waste disposal -- safety management -- workplace safety -- management commitment -- employee ownership -- learning organisation; Six sigma (Quality control standard) -- Periodicals; Quality control -- Periodicals; 658.4013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1479-2494

Abstract

This case study uses the Six Sigma process framework in performance management to explore and decrease the injury rate of an international waste disposal firm. The results indicate that an employee-management consensus approach to continuous improvement in safety management in the workplace is essential. The evidence from this case suggests that the Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control (DMAIC) Six Sigma process and an analysis tool such as the fishbone diagram can be easily adopted as measurements and reduce the injury rate in the workplace. Furthermore, the case shows that management commitment and employee ownership of the Six Sigma programme is the key to continuous improvement and the development of a safety culture and a learning organisation.