Relationship between lean production system and the level of occupational safety and health in Polish enterprises

The aim of the project is to study relationship between lean production system and OSH level in enterprises. The paradigm of lean work production systems have pervaded a diverse number of European manufacturing enterprises in an attempt to achieve quantum leaps in quality and productivity. The fundamental idea of this concept is to eliminate action that does not create added value. Consequently elimination of costs resulting from occupational accidents and diseases is required. In the research, we have hypothesized that manufacturing enterprises that implemented lean production principles and exercise high level of lean practices realize higher level of safety performance. The hypothesis has been tested in 62 enterprise with use of standardized questionnaires. The relationship between lean production index and the level of productivity, quality of output and occupational safety have been examined. In the study regression analyses and structural equation modeling have been used to examine the relationship between the safety outcome variables and degree of leanness. Findings of the project show that there is no relationship between level of leanness and OSH, consequently there was no basis to accept the hypothesis. Some findings (statistically non- significant) show positive impact of lean production on the safety measured with occupational accidents and negative impact on sick absenteeism. From one side some lean production techniques (like 5S that is for organizing a workplace, especially a shared workplace (like a shop floor or an office space) could contribute to lower number of accidents, but from other side it could contribute to emerging psychosocial risks resulting from work tempo (like stress) and consequently to increasing sick absenteeism.The study also shows that enterprises do not integrate lean production activities with OSH management activities. On the basis of the findings recommendations for implementing lean production from occupational safety and health perspective have been developed.