“Continual” v.s “Continuous”

No matter we are talking about the SMS program, quality management programs or the SMS in OSH. It is quite confusing about the usage of “Continual” v.s “Continuous”. Some people might even reckon that these two words are interchangeable.

However, there are two distinguish meaning behind!

With reference to a website:

Continual improvement means that the approach is repeated and has pauses in between repetitions.

Continuous improvement approach does not stop, it is an uninterrupted flow. A continuous approach is one that will constantly look to make improvements, it is a sustained process of development.

From an account of linkedin user:

Continual takes into account processes like PDCA

Continuous takes into account successes like 5S and Kaizen and Lean

Finally, my master said:

Continual improvement : for SMS

Continuous improvement : for Safety Policy

This is learn something every day brought you by Tommy.K

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