The DMAIC Framework in OHS

If you spend enough time on #LinkedIn, I can almost guarantee that you’ve seen posts about #SixSigma. You might see something come up on your screen or see someone achieving a certification and pass over it thinking “what is Six Sigma”? I did as well, but decided to learn more about it, so here, I got you!

Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology and philosophy aimed at improving the quality of processes and products within an organization. Big way to say that Six Sigma is a method that businesses use to find and fix problems, so they can make things more efficient with as few errors as possible.

The concept was originally developed by Motorola in the 1980s and popularized by companies like General Electric. Six Sigma emphasizes operational efficiency through minimizing defects and variability in processes. The term "Six Sigma" refers to a statistical measure of quality that signifies a process produces only 3.4 defects per million opportunities. Within Six Sigma we learn of the DMAIC framework, which translates to: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. DMAIC provides a systematic methodology for problem-solving and continuous improvement. By using statistical tools, analysis, and a focus on customer requirements, Six Sigma enables organizations to optimize operations and drive sustainable growth.

“So what does this have to do with safety, John?”

Glad you asked. For businesses, the pursuit of excellence shouldn’t be confined to product quality alone. Health and Safety is a fundamental pillar in any business in order for the business to succeed with any longevity. Recognizing this, forward-thinking companies can turn to methodologies like Six Sigma to give their OHS management and performance a noticeable boost. The DMAIC framework offers a systematic approach to identify, analyze, and rectify safety issues within the organization both at the operational level as well as the management system level. Here's the breakdown by letter:

Define: Understand the Safety Landscape

The first step in the DMAIC process is to define the problem or opportunities for improvement. In the context of safety, this involves understanding the existing safety protocols, identifying potential hazards, and recognizing areas for improvement. This phase encourages organizations to establish clear safety objectives, such as reducing workplace accidents, minimizing exposure to hazardous materials, or (my favourite) increasing worker participation in the OHSMS.

Measure: Quantifying Safety Performance

Once the safety objectives are defined, the next step is to measure the current state of safety performance. DMAIC calls for the use of data-driven metrics to assess the frequency and severity of incidents, near misses, and compliance with safety regulations and internal policies. By gathering and analyzing safety data, organizations can gain insight into the root causes of safety issues and prioritize improvement efforts effectively.

Analyze: Uncovering Root Causes

In the analysis phase, organizations jump into the (potential rabbit hole of) underlying causes of safety problems. Utilizing tools like a root cause analysis and/or barrier analysis, HS teams can identify the contributing factors leading to accidents or near miss events. This examination allows stakeholders to pinpoint systemic weaknesses in safety processes, equipment failures, human error, or deficiencies in training.

Improve: Implementing Solutions

Once you fill your bucket from the analysis phase, organizations can develop and implement targeted interventions to improve safety outcomes. Whether it's redesigning workflows, building/changing/delivering training programs, or investing in better or different PPE, the focus is on deploying evidence-based solutions that address the identified root causes. Continuous feedback and collaboration among all parts of the organization is important during this phase to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of any implemented changes.

Control: Sustaining Safety Awesomeness

The final point of DMAIC outlines the importance of sustaining the gains achieved through improvement efforts. Establishing strong control measures, ongoing monitoring of safety performance, regular audits, and employee engagement initiatives (this one is important), helps prevent regression to previous safety standards. It also helps in building a culture of accountability and continuous improvement that ensures that safety remains THE top priority across all levels of the organization.

Incorporating the DMAIC framework from Six Sigma into occupational health and safety management can have significant benefits for organizations striving to create safer and healthier work environments and stand out in the industry. Systematically defining safety objectives, measuring performance metrics, analyzing root causes, implementing targeted improvements, and maintaining functional controls gives companies a tool and vantage point to mitigate risks, reduce accidents, and enhance overall safety culture.

Look, there’s A LOT to Six Sigma and principles like it (LEAN for example), and the reality is that some things may not apply to your functional role, but the good news is that safety is one of those professions where we can take a little bit from everywhere to improve not only the safety of workers but the overall success of the organization. I would encourage anyone who hasn’t looked into Six Sigma to give it a look through. I’m not saying I’m a black/green/whatever belt Six Sigma practitioner, but you don’t have to be to gain value and learn how certain principles can apply to what you do!