Why 5S Is Enough
Why the Rise of 6S Might Be Over-complicating Workplace Organisation
Introduction: The Rise of 6S
After visiting countless manufacturing sites 🏭, one trend keeps emerging: organisations are moving from 5S to 6S, adding Safety as a separate, sixth step. While the intention is good, it raises a question:
Is 6S actually improving safety, or just adding another label to something that should already be embedded?
Lessons from Toyota: When 4S Was Enough
As a graduate engineer at Toyota, I worked with 4S—and even then, safety was never a separate category. It was simply how we worked. As Taiichi Ohno famously said:
“Safety is the gate to all work.”
This quote perfectly captures the principle: safety is foundational. It should not be treated as an extra step.
Why Safety Is Already Embedded in 5S
When implemented correctly, each step of 5S naturally strengthens safety:
Sort: Remove hazards with unnecessary items.
Set in Order: Organise tools with Shadow Boards to prevent accidents.
Shine: Cleaning reveals risks before they escalate.
Standardise: Consistent processes reduce errors.
Sustain: Maintaining habits embeds a safe culture.
Safety isn’t a sixth S—it’s woven into all five steps.
The Risk of Adding a Sixth S
Adding Safety as a separate step can create a checklist mentality, giving a false sense that safety has been “covered.” True safety culture is about mindset, behaviour, and awareness—not an extra letter in a process.
Conclusion: 5S Is Enough When Done Right
5S has stood the test of time because it is simple, effective, and inherently safe when executed properly. Rather than adopting 6S, organisations should focus on embedding safety into every action, decision, and improvement.
Key Takeaways:
Safety should be a mindset, not an extra step ⚠️
5S already promotes safety if implemented correctly
Overcomplicating with 6S may dilute the focus on true safety culture
Build a Workplace Where 5S Thrives
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