Note: This article is written by a human, not AI.
Poka-yoke (ポカヨケ) is
a Japanese term that means "mistake-proofing" or "error prevention".
It is also sometimes referred to as a forcing function or
a behavior-shaping constraint. It was originally called
fool-proofing in Japan but was later changed to mistake-proofing to avoid being
offensive (Japanese culture).
Poka-yoke
was originally used mainly in the manufacturing industry to prevent costly
mistakes, avoid wastes by eliminating or minimising quality mistakes that lead
to rework and scraps as well as eliminating potential safety issues.
Mistake-proofing is a vital principle in Poka-yoke. It focuses on stopping the making of mistakes or detecting errors before they become defects. This involves designing systems, equipment, or processes that can either detect a mistake immediately after it is committed or forces corrective action before the next step can proceed. By implementing mistake-proofing techniques, manufacturers can mitigate the impact of errors and provide feedback so that immediate actions can be taken to avoid the cost of fatal accidents.
In the context of safety, Poka-yoke can be used to prevent accidents and injuries by placing barriers, sensors, restraints against mistakes that could lead to harm. For example, a safety switch on a machine that prevents it from operating when the guard is opened. Another example is a warning light that indicates or sounds when a machine is in operation so as to warn others to keep away or keep clear of the danger zone. Poka-yoke is an effective way to improve safety in the workplace by reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. By eliminating opportunities for errors to be made, Poka-yoke helps to create a safer work environment for everyone.
There are many benefits in using Poka-yoke for safety. Let’s just deep-dive into one benefit: behavior-shaping constraint.
Behavior-shaping constraint is a form of poka-yoke that encourages desired behaviors in any context or environment by guiding users towards correct actions. This type of error-prevention can either be physical, such as using a specific tool to complete a task or deploying cognitive way like following a specific set of steps or sequence.
Current rules state that cyclists are prohibited from riding on over-head bridges. Yet it was observed that 99% of cyclists ignore these rules and continue to ride at high speeds, posing a hazard to pedestrians and other users. After several feedbacks and suggestions sent to the authority, the proposed actions taken were to “educate the cyclists” or to deploy enforcement officers at the bridge to control cyclists’ behaviors. Such solution is only as good and effective when officers are deployed at site. Most times, it’s free-and-easy for all cyclists speeding on the bridge!
This problem is not new or isolated. There were constantly many complaints and feedbacks at various locations on the island.
The solution to this island-wide problem is quite simple and easy to implement. There is no need to use any expensive or advanced technology or enforcement. The answer is the Poke-yoke way to stop incorrect behaviors of cyclists until they re-route their planned routes and away from over-head bridges. A simple barrier design installed at all entry-points on over-head bridges to create a “pain for change”. When we need to deal with ‘fools’, we just need to find a fool-proof solution to create “pains” to force changes in habits and behaviors for the good of all users.
Note: At the time of this post’s release, the authority has not replied on this idea.