Leveraging Lean Six Sigma to Optimize the U.S. Air Force Safety Reporting Process †

Abstract

This report applies Lean Six Sigma methodologies to dissect, document, assess, and improve the process for reporting safety incidents and mishaps in the United States Air Force (USAF). The current USAF policy requires supervisors to report all incidents through an unobstructed reporting channel without delay to ensure prompt investigation of hazardous practices, equipment, or situations. However, factors such as overwork, an overabundance of report forms, a dearth of education, and the normalization of complacency have stymied its effectiveness. This project employs the SIPOC diagram and DMAIC phase approach to analyze the USAF safety reporting process and recommends the steps supervisors need to take to maximize safety reporting. Some of the recommendations are establishing a primary avenue for making safety reports, implementing non-onerous feedback methods, and integrating modern technology to improve safety reporting efficiency and accuracy.