Japan Points the Way to Better Safety

Railways in Japan use a safety system called “pointing and calling.” This method of physically pointing toward an item to be checked while vocalizing its name was invented in Japan about 100 years ago. The combination of looking, acting, speaking and hearing reduces errors by as much as about 85%. After recent scientific testing proved the efficacy of the technique, its use spread to fields other than the railways. It’s used to increase safety in areas as diverse such as hospitals and construction sites. And now, following its successful adoption by the New York subway system, this unique Japanese safety method is starting to spread around the world.