3K - Lean Six Sigma Glossary

3K

The 3K are the Japanese words which refer to the hazards of a conventional work place. These 3K are something which all workplaces should avoid. The 3K are as below;

Kiken : Dangerous
Kitsui : Difficult
Kitanai : Dirty

The Japanese language is filled with idioms, colloquialisms, and regional cultures that often reflect the country’s wider societal values. This is especially true when it comes to the area of safety and hazard prevention. For example, many Japanese people recognize the phrase “3K – Kiken, Kitsui, Kitanai”, commonly used to describe the three major types of workplace hazards.

What do the 3K mean

Kiken is the term used to describe “danger”, or any situation that could lead to death or serious injury. Typical examples include dealing with high voltage electricity, working with toxic substances, or operating heavy machinery. Japanese society takes Kiken very seriously. They expect employers to train the workers and fully prepare them to deal with potentially dangerous situations.

Kitsui translates as “difficult” and suggests a situation that might be challenging or complex, although not necessarily an extreme danger. This could refer to a task that requires detailed concentration, such as grappling with a tricky engineering problem, or a physical task that requires extra caution, such as climbing a ladder in high winds.

Finally, Kitanai translates as “dirty”. It is reserved for tasks which, while not directly hazardous, may be hazardous in the long run. For example, working with particulates in a poorly ventilated area or coming in contact with hazardous materials during the process of maintenance or gardening.

People in Japan commonly use the 3K (Kiken, Kitsui, Kitanai) to indicate danger when it comes to hazardous working conditions. By understanding each terms, workers can take the proper precautionary measures and stay safe on the job. This phrase is also a reminder for workers and employers to take safety seriously and to always be on the alert for any potential hazards. Industries and corporations from around the works have realised the importance of these 3K. Just like Japan, many hope that by using this phrase in the workplace, the awareness level and role of safety at work will constantly improve in any workplace.

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Sachin Naik

Passionate about improving processes and systems | Lean Six Sigma practitioner, trainer and coach for 14+ years consulting giant corporations and fortune 500 companies on Operational Excellence | Start-up enthusiast | Change Management and Design Thinking student | Love to ride and drive