Abstract

This research studied the impact of Lean Manufacturing (LM) on the safety and operational performance of a state-owned company in South Africa.  It further identified the critical success factors (CSF) for implementing lean tools.  LM uses various tools and techniques to eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and optimize processes.  This study focused on three tools 5S, TPM, and Kaizen.  Based on a thorough literature study, five CSFs have been studied.  The main aim was to evaluate the impact of the LM tools on safety and operational performance.  Additionally, to study the impact of CSFs on LM implementation.  Research questions and hypotheses were formulated, and a mixed methods approach was used to gather and analyse data.  Results show that LM has a positive impact on both safety and operational performance.  The required critical success factors (CSFs) for LM implementation are employee involvement and empowerment, as well as leadership support and commitment.  LM Tools have a positive impact on on both safety performance and operational performance.