Limited evidence of design changes from safety processes raises concerns about their effectiveness.
Inconsistencies in safety design outputs highlight the need for clearer communication and more focused risk mitigation strategies.
Deep dives
Effectiveness of Safety in Design Processes
Safety in design processes aim to modify designs to enhance safety outcomes. However, the study found limited evidence of design changes resulting from safety processes. Out of 4,000 safety controls reviewed, only four design modifications were claimed, indicating a potential gap in the effectiveness of safety interventions.
Challenges in Safety Design Outputs
The podcast revealed inconsistencies in how safety outputs are named and structured across different organizations. Most safety design outputs consisted of hazard registers, lacking detailed design modifications. Controls outside the hierarchy of safety measures were common, suggesting a divergence from standard safety practices.
Messages to the Future in Safety Design
Many safety design outputs featured messages intended for future actions or stakeholders, leading to vague or indirect risk mitigation strategies. These 'messages to the future' often lacked specificity and clarity, potentially hindering effective risk management. The study highlighted a need for more focused and actionable safety communications in design outputs.
Improving Safety in Design Practices
To enhance the impact of safety in design, practitioners are advised to focus on modifying designs based on identified risks, prioritize operational context understanding before hazard assessment, and clearly articulate design changes to downstream stakeholders. Emphasizing active risk management and specific design modifications can bridge the gap between safety intentions and practical outcomes.
Russell is a safety practitioner based in New Zealand. He joins us to tell us about his work and together we wonder if safety and design processes change the design itself.
Topics:
Is safety and design effective?
Risk shuffling.
Russell’s key findings.
The hierarchy of controls.
The proper use of safety and design.
Evaluating design to minimize risk.
Practical advice from Russell.
Quotes:
“We don’t always have opportunities in safety science to get some objective artifacts…”
“I’ve never heard of a designer saying they’ve got plenty of time and a ton of budget, so let’s, you know, get down and optimize for safety.”
“And if we start by listing the operations before we list the hazards or risks, then we’re going to be in a much better place.”
