Design for Safety

The following resources address how accounting for employee safety in the design stage of a project may result in fewer injuries and illnesses and increased productivity. Organizations that eliminate or reduce hazards by making design or engineering changes generally improve their workplace safety and health and save money in the long run. For example, an organization that spends money up front to design out a workplace safety hazard will often save money through reduced training costs, less need for personal protective equipment, and the savings associated with fewer workplace injuries and illnesses.

• Design for Construction Safety. Construction Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Maintained by T. Michael Toole, Associate Professor at Bucknell University and an active participant in the ASCE Construction Institute, as a product of the OSHA Alliance Program’s Construction Roundtable. Designing for construction safety is the process of addressing construction site safety and health in the design of a project. Benefits include increased productivity, reduced workers' compensation costs, and fewer delays caused by accidents during construction.
   
• Engineering Practice Specialty. American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE).  This ASSE practice specialty is a resource for technical knowledge and expertise on safety engineering issues. 
   
• Prevention through Design. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Provides information on NIOSH’s national Prevention through Design initiative.

For other resources on Making the Business Case for Safety and Health, see Additional Information.