Which step in 5S helps maintain workplace organization and safety over time?

The step that helps maintain workplace organization and safety over time is Sustaining. This aspect of the 5S methodology focuses on ensuring that the improvements made through the initial phases of Sort, Set in Order, Shine, and Standardize are not only established but also maintained consistently over the long term.

Sustaining involves creating habits and developing a culture within the organization where everyone adheres to the standards that have been established. This can include regular training, audits, and revisiting the practices to ensure that they remain a part of everyone's routine. By making sustaining a priority, organizations foster a continuous improvement mindset, ensuring that the workplace remains organized, safe, and efficient.

The other steps in 5S play vital roles in the initial organization and cleanliness of the workplace, but without the Sustaining phase, those improvements are at risk of eroding over time.