Safety design: Towards a new philosophy

Thinking on safety integration right from design stage is of some interest in research terms. How can we increase the overall efficiency of a working system, whilst reducing risks at source and consequently costs? Can future operation of a working system be anticipated? What can be anticipated? Can we help designers to respond to statutory requirements by experience feedback and by structuring our knowledge of working system operational performance?Based on a “user-focused” design approach, this paper is structured in two sections. The first section comprises analysis of the existing position by focusing specifically on the question of safety at design stage, the second part includes generic recommendations for making work equipment design safer and more “secure”.