Abstract
Safe design is an increasingly influential approach due to a growing recognition of the contribution of design to workplace safety. It aims to eliminate workplace hazards by systematically involving end-users in the design or redesign process. In this review paper, the explicit and novel focus is upon redesign, rather than original design. The literature in the field is appraised and a human-centred safe redesign method is presented. The safe redesign method is a task-based, risk management approach that centres on end-users. In describing the method, indicative results from two domains are outlined: mining equipment and highway environments. Focusing on end-users and their tasks by means of a structured human-centred process can be highly beneficial. Further work to expand the human-centred safe redesign method is outlined.
Highlights
Over half of plant-related incidents in Australia resulting in work fatalities had at least one design deficiency that contributed to the outcome [7]
A tool that is aligned with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard and incorporates participatory ergonomics and risk assessment processes was initially developed and employed for equipment utilized in the minerals industry [18,19]
Hale et al [2], Safety in Design Ergonomics (SiDE) was developed based on the philosophy that acquiring knowledge about actual use and conditions of use are of key importance to safe redesign: this was especially critical in the minerals industry, where designers may be unable to visit mine sites to investigate equipment in use [19]
Summary
There is an emerging understanding of the importance of design in workplace safety [1] This occupational insight has been a major motiving force in the growth of safe design of equipment and environments [2,3]. Examples of such design deficiencies in workplaces include visibility restrictions for operators of large industrial equipment [4], error-inducing tasks and procedures [5], or distracting roadway environments [6]. Over half of plant-related incidents in Australia resulting in work fatalities had at least one design deficiency that contributed to the outcome [7]. An even greater involvement of the role of design in workplace fatalities involving machinery and fixed plant was later found, with 90% of such incidents attributed at least in part to design related issues [8]
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