Strong observation skills are a hallmark of those with a quality-safety mindset. While this is largely something that comes down to the individual, there are steps companies can take to leverage the collective power of employee observations.
Some companies require employees to log observations—both positive and negative—into the HSEQ system. This can be done on a quota basis, or by providing incentives to do it. These observations can be reviewed to support the performance of the Quality PDCA process; basically identifying how well you’re following your procedures.
The second area to focus on is audits and walkthroughs. Audit Management tools within the HSEQ system allow you to streamline the process, so you can focus more on the audits themselves than processing paperwork. Tools to focus on here include:
Centralizing checklists so you can access custom or out-of-the-box lists without having to reinvent the wheel.
Reviewing past findings before and during the audit to close the loop on areas that need the most attention.
Conducting mobile audits so you can download checklists to your tablet, take photos and automatically upload findings to the system.
Of course, having a quality-safety mindset means you aren’t just looking for issues during scheduled audits. It means always keeping your eyes open for problems like blocked walkways, equipment malfunction or lack of PPE, overall cleanliness, all of which can lead to potential safety and/or quality incidents.
In the past, many companies have separated quality and safety into separate functions. And while that may take time to change, many companies now recognize that a quality mindset is a safety mindset. Continuous improvement requires a coordinated effort focused on standardizing processes and looking at the bigger picture that’s only available from integrating quality and safety data.
