Prevention Through Design

Objective: Proactively recognize potential hazards in the design stage before they manifest in construction, operation, maintenance, or disposal phases.

Strategies:

• Early Engagement Workshops: Conduct cross-functional design review meetings during concept development.
• Use of Hazard Checklists: Utilize industry-specific checklists (e.g., OSHA, NIOSH PtD tools) to identify common hazards.
• Historical Data Analysis: Review incident and near-miss data from similar past projects to identify potential hazards.
• Process Mapping: Develop process flow diagrams and use them to identify where hazards might occur.
• Digital Simulation and Modeling: Use Building Information Modeling (BIM), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), or Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to detect design flaws or stress points.

Objective: Evaluate and prioritize the identified hazards based on their likelihood and potential impact.

Strategies:

• Risk Matrix Development: Employ a qualitative or semi-quantitative risk matrix to classify risk severity and probability.
• Job Hazard Analysis (JHA): Break down tasks to assess specific risks at each step of the process.
• Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA): Identify potential design failure points and assess their consequences.
• Lifecycle Risk Evaluation: Include risks that may arise during use, maintenance, and decommissioning.
• Document Assumptions: Clearly define assumptions made during risk evaluations to ensure future review integrity.

Objective: Implement inherently safer design principles to eliminate or reduce risk at the source.

Strategies:

• Hierarchy of Controls Application: Prioritize elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE in that order.
• Modular and Prefabricated Design: Reduce on-site hazards through off-site fabrication.
• Design for Ergonomics and Human Factors: Integrate user-centered design to reduce physical strain, cognitive overload, and human error.
• Access and Maintenance-Friendly Design: Provide safe access to equipment and clearances for maintenance activities.
• Sustainable Materials Selection: Choose non-toxic, fire-resistant, and environmentally safe materials.

Objective: Enable relevant stakeholders the opportunity to contribute to the design process to promote safety ownership and insight-sharing. 

Strategies:

• Integrated Project Teams: Include engineers, architects, safety professionals, end-users, and contractors in the design phase.
• Regular Design Reviews: Schedule milestone-based design reviews with key stakeholders.
• Feedback Loops: Implement a formal process for collecting and addressing feedback throughout the design lifecycle.
• Contractor and Supplier Input: Involve vendors early to discuss equipment or material limitations or enhancements.
• End-User Consultations: Engage operators and maintainers to understand practical safety concerns.

Objective: Build design teams’ and stakeholders’ capabilities in identifying and mitigating hazards through safe design practices.

Strategies:

• Design Safety Training: Provide specialized training for design professionals on PtD principles and tools.
• Simulation-Based Learning: Use virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) to simulate design conditions and safety scenarios.
• Toolbox Talks and Lunch & Learns: Conduct regular knowledge-sharing sessions focused on design safety case studies.
• Mentorship Programs: Pair junior designers with experienced professionals to reinforce PtD thinking.
• Continuous Learning Resources: Maintain access to updated codes, case studies, and PtD guidelines.

Objective: Develop designs that meet or exceed applicable safety regulations, industry codes, and best practices.

Strategies:

• Compliance Checklists: Create project-specific compliance matrices referencing OSHA, ANSI, ISO 45001, NFPA, and other relevant standards.
• Third-Party Audits: Engage certified safety auditors to review compliance during major design milestones.
• Integrated Management Systems: Align PtD with the organization’s EHS, quality, and risk management systems.
• Permit to Design Protocols: Require formal safety sign-off before proceeding to the next design phase.
• Change Management Procedures: Establish formal review processes for any design modifications impacting safety.

Objective: Regularly review and enhance design safety processes based on feedback and performance data.

Strategies:

• Post-Occupancy Evaluations: Conduct site assessments after implementation to identify unforeseen hazards and gather lessons learned.
• Safety Metrics and KPIs: Track leading indicators such as design changes prompted by hazard identification or near-miss frequency during commissioning.
• Lessons Learned Database: Maintain a centralized repository of design safety lessons to inform future projects.
• Design Safety Audits: Schedule periodic audits to evaluate adherence to PtD principles across projects.
• Innovation Reviews: Encourage exploration of emerging technologies and materials that enhance safety.

By integrating architecture, interior design, building systems engineering, and planning and project services, we unlock the full potential of the built environment for our clients.

About the Author:

Larry Payne, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Managing Principal at AE Works

With over 30 years of experience in architectural management and design, Larry has worked on large-scale educational, institutional, and commercial buildings, including renovations and historic restorations. He has spent more than 20 years designing and managing college and university projects across the country, focusing on facilities with budgets ranging from $200K to $60M.A LEED-accredited professional, Larry is passionate about sustainable architecture. He excels in collaborating with diverse university stakeholders, resolving complex programs, and ensuring alignment with project schedules, scopes, and budgets.

Want to discuss Prevention Through Design ideas for your upcoming project?
Email Larry at larry@aeworks.com