Safety in Design
Safe design is concerned with:
- eliminating workplace health and safety hazards at the design stage of structures; or
- controlling risks, as early as possible, in the planning and design of structures.
A “hazard” is something with the potential to cause harm. This can include substances, plant, work processes or other aspects of the work environment. “Risk” is the likelihood that death, injury or illness might result because of the hazard.
The safe design of a structure will always be part of a wider set of design objectives, including practically, aesthetics, cost and functionality. These sometimes competing objectives need to be balanced in a manner that does not compromise the safety and health of those who work on or use a structure.
The design function is influenced by a range of parties at varying stages in the design as well as during the lifecycle of the structure; eg, Specialty Consultants (engineers, etc), Clients, Developers, Builders, Tenants, Suppliers and Government bodies.
Safe design results in many benefits including:
- prevention of injury or illness
- improved useability of structures
- improved productivity
- reduced costs
- better prediction and management of production and operational costs over the lifecycle of a structure
- compliance with legislation
- innovation, in the safe design can demand new thinking
StruXi (as for all designers of structures) has an obligation under the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 (the Act) to undertake safety in design to particular classes of buildings. We do this, under the guidance of our Quality Management System.
