How can you use TQM to improve employee and customer safety?

3 Implement safety processes and tools

The third step of TQM is to implement safety processes and tools that support your goals and standards. You need to design and document your safety procedures, policies, and guidelines, and ensure that they are followed consistently. You also need to use tools such as risk assessments, audits, inspections, checklists, and incident investigations to identify and eliminate the root causes of safety problems. You need to apply the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle to continuously review and improve your safety processes and tools.

4 Engage and satisfy your customers

The fourth step of TQM is to engage and satisfy your customers with your safety performance. You need to understand your customers' needs and expectations, and deliver products and services that meet or exceed them. You also need to collect and analyze feedback from your customers, and use it to improve your safety quality. You need to communicate your safety achievements and initiatives to your customers, and build trust and loyalty with them.

5 Learn and innovate

The fifth step of TQM is to learn and innovate for safety excellence. You need to benchmark your safety performance against your competitors and best practices, and identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. You also need to foster a culture of learning and innovation, where you encourage creativity, experimentation, and adaptation. You need to embrace change and challenge, and seek continuous improvement in your safety outcomes.

6 Lead by example

The sixth and final step of TQM is to lead by example for safety. You need to demonstrate your commitment and accountability for safety, and set the tone and direction for your organization. You also need to inspire and motivate your employees, customers, and stakeholders with your vision and values. You need to model the behaviors and attitudes that you expect from others, and show respect and appreciation for their efforts. You need to be a role model and a mentor for safety.

By following these six steps of TQM, you can improve employee and customer safety in your business, and achieve higher quality, productivity, and profitability.