The Benefits of Embedding Safety in Lean Practices

The concept of “lean thinking” is applied with increasing frequency in a number of industries, including biopharmaceutical manufacturing, to eliminate waste and optimize workflow. Lean thinking refers to focusing on standardizing processes within workplaces to minimize redundancies and improve value. Safety also is important to every workplace, especially in biopharmaceutical manufacturing because it uses process chemical ingredients. By embedding attention to safety into the practice of lean manufacturing, companies can improve employee buy-in of lean initiatives while reinforcing the importance of safe practices. This combined philosophy allows companies to improve both workplace safety and efficiency.