Designing a Lean Flow Chart for Risk Management: Building Workplace Resilience on Employee Health and Wellness

Amidst the high levels of technology, noise, intercultural communication, complexity, and contact that characterise the aviation industry’s work environment, employees play a pivotal role in controlling the associated risks. Their safety in the workplace is a top priority for aviation industry operations. Our study proposes a systemic approach that aims to increase worker empowerment by effectively managing workplace risks that could result in disease, incident, accident, or disability. This approach also fosters a safer atmosphere that boosts productivity and performance, highlighting the integral role of employees in this process. To achieve this objective, the flowchart technique was applied to visualise aviation workplace risks and comprehend the origins of workplace hazards, the locations and timing of potential incidents, and their implications and domains of influence. Thus, this technique significantly contributes to documenting, analysing, planning, improving, and communicating complex processes in aviation work environments through diagrams. Finally, flowcharts significantly contribute to a better understanding and enhancement of the effectiveness of risk management in the workplace. Fifteen experts (n=15) from several aviation industry areas and European countries participated in a brainstorming session using the flowchart technique, which produced meaningful and practical outcomes. By taking the appropriate steps and choosing the courses of action that result in the desired outcome, this strategy simplifies complicated operations and contributes to safer operations. The study’s outcomes underscore specific actions that promote health and safety. In particular, the elimination of unnecessary or non-valuable business processes to create a more transparent and easier-to-understand working environment is suggested. However, it is equally vital to foster a culture that not only acknowledges but also prioritizes the welfare of the workforce. The results of this study can significantly improve the work environment of aviation organisations. By adopting a lean risk management approach, employees are provided with high levels of awareness to identify and handle risk factors that could lead to accidents, illnesses, and injuries. This strategy empowers employees and builds more resilient workplaces, underscoring the shared responsibility and commitment to fostering a safer workplace environment.