The Responsibility Mirror: Making Awareness Visible
Health & Safety, quality and productivity messages were communicated through training, boards and posters. However, in the daily work environment, these messages could gradually become routine and...
KAIZEN A3 REPORT
Mini Kaizen - Quick Improvement
BEFORE
State before kaizen
- Health & Safety, quality and productivity messages were communicated through training, boards and posters.
- Messages could become routine over time.
- There was no direct visual reminder encouraging employees to think about their own daily responsibility.
- Existing mirrors were used only for their basic purpose.
- An opportunity to use existing workplace resources for visual management had not been utilized.
- Problem type: Awareness and employee engagement.
- The solution was designed as a low-cost application using existing mirrors.
AFTER
State after kaizen
- Existing mirrors were converted into visual management points.
- Short and simple responsibility messages were applied as stickers.
- Messages focused on Health & Safety, Quality and Waste Awareness.
- Employees encounter the messages naturally during their daily routines.
- Existing resources were reused instead of purchasing new equipment.
- The stickers can be replaced when new messages or priorities are needed.
- A low-cost visual management solution was created.
- Awareness was integrated into the daily work environment.
Problem Statement / Theme
Health & Safety, quality and productivity messages were communicated through training, boards and posters. However, in the daily work environment, these messages could gradually become routine and lose their impact.
During a Gemba observation, existing mirrors in common areas were identified as an opportunity to create a direct and simple visual reminder.
Instead of investing in new equipment, the existing mirrors were used as visual management points. Simple, short and changeable stickers were placed on the mirrors, focusing on three key messages: Health & Safety, Quality and Waste Awareness.
The approach turns an everyday object into a visual reminder of personal responsibility.
The messages used were:
- Health & Safety: “Safe work is my responsibility.”
- Quality: “Quality is my responsibility.”
- Waste Awareness: “Seeing waste is my responsibility.”
Because the stickers are replaceable, new messages can be introduced when priorities or needs change.
Lean principle:
Sometimes the best visual management tool is not something you need to buy—it is something already present in the workplace.
Team Formation
Ece Sezgin
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