How to Use the 5S Audit Checklist

At its core, the 5S framework is made up of 5 steps for maintaining an efficient industrial workspace to encourage safety, worker pride and quality production. Created and popularized by Toyota in WWII, good housekeeping skills are enforced with standards and regular audits to facilitate better operations and, in turn, better products.

The scorecard should be adapted to your facility and 5S practice. An audit is a visual inspection of your facilities, scored against the 5S matrix, to see how well you're implementing Continuous Improvement. Preparing for and discussing the results of an audit is a great team-building opportunity and should include an open dialogue on ways to improve safety, waste, efficiency, and collaboration.

During their walkthrough, the auditor will assess:

Which issues have been resolved
If 5S principles are being applied consistently
What remains to be standardized

The recommended audit cadence is a weekly self-check by teams assessing their work area, a monthly audit performed by the supervisor, and a quarterly audit conducted by the plant manager.

The average baseline for scoring is a ⅗ or 60%, which is considered the minimum acceptable score, while multiple quality back-to-back audits should score at 80% or higher.

In the end, the most significant benefit of workers performing 5S is that it facilitates their empowerment – they get to make the decisions – and engenders a stronger sense of ownership of the area, workstation or department. This provides the engagement necessary to support further lean steps.

Getting the Most from Your 5S Audit Checklist

Provide training and clear communication.
Ensure everyone understands each of the five steps and how they contribute to safety and productivity. Consistency comes from shared expectations and clear examples.

Encourage recognition and improvement.
Treat the 5S audit as a way to celebrate progress, not just spot issues. Recognizing small wins keeps teams motivated and invested.

Use digital tools.
Switching from paper to digital 5S checklists lets teams record notes, photos, and data in real time. Integrating audits into a connected worker platform ensures findings lead to action and accountability.

Analyze results and close gaps.
Look for recurring issues or patterns. If a specific area consistently scores low, review tools, training, or layout. Continuous feedback helps sustain long-term improvements.

Link audits to business goals.
Strong 5S performance supports higher product quality, better safety, and lower waste. Plants maintaining high 5S standards often see better morale and stronger overall productivity.

5S Audit Checklist and Educational Posters

What's Included in the 5S Audit Checklist Package?

What are the 5S Principles?