A Definition:
Safe design is about integrating hazard identification and risk assessment methods early in the design process, to eliminate or minimise risks of injury throughout the life of a product. This applies to buildings, structures, equipment and vehicles.
Safe Work Australia website (see Copyright Statement).
Why is it Important?
In Australia:
- “Of 639 work-related fatalities from 2006 to 2011, one-third (188) were caused by unsafe design or design-related factors contributed to the fatality.
- Of all fatalities where safe design was identified as an issue, one fifth (21%) was caused by inadequate protective guarding for workers.“