What is the principle of “safety by design”?

The principle of “safety by design” emphasizes the proactive integration of safety features during the design and planning stages of a project or product. This approach aims to identify potential hazards and mitigate risks before they can affect people or the environment. By embedding safety considerations into the early phases of development, organizations can create safer workplaces and products without relying solely on behavioral modifications, regulatory compliance, or post-construction improvements.

In contrast to focusing on employee behavior, which may address safety issues reactively, safety by design aims to eliminate hazards at the source. Similarly, implementing regulations post-construction tends to be reactive, addressing issues only after they have been adopted. Ensuring compliance through documentation also does not address the underlying safety concerns inherent in the design itself. Therefore, integrating safety features into the design phase allows for a more effective and sustainable approach to safety management.