The Impact of Lean Tools on the Reduction of Potentially Dangerous Events

Abstract. In recent years, Lean tools have found widespread application across various industrial sectors, including the food industry, where they have contributed to significant improvements in both operational efficiency and workplace safety. This article presents the findings of pilot studies that evaluated the impact of implementing selected Lean tools – namely 5S, Kaizen, and VSM – on occupational safety within a food industry facility. The objective was to explore how the adoption of these tools influences the reduction of potentially hazardous events and fosters a culture of safety. The findings suggest that Lean tools have a positive effect on decreasing the occurrence of dangerous incidents and on enhancing awareness and behaviors related to safety among workers. This study offers initial evidence supporting the Lean philosophy's effective role in enhancing operational safety within the food industry