
ASSE Launches Prevention Through Design Standard
Initiative
January 12, 2010
The American Society of Safety Engineers' (ASSE) recently launched
the Z790 Standards Initiative to develop the "Prevention Through
Design (PTD): Guidelines for Addressing Occupational Risks in Design
and Redesign Processes" standard. According to a press release
issued by the ASSE, the initiative addresses the fact that workplace
incidents can be prevented through design, such as during the designing
and construction of a new manufacturing plant.
According to the release, PTD is defined as the integration of hazard
analysis and risk assessment methods early in the design and engineering
stages and taking the actions necessary so that risks of injury
or damage are prevented. ASSE members note that recent studies indicate
that approximately 40 percent of work-related fatalities are design
related. ASSE standard will assist SH&E professionals and others
to increase their knowledge on the occupational safety, health and
environmental issues in the design/ redesign process and address
how to prevent or minimize work-related hazards associated with
facilities, materials and equipment during construction, manufacture,
use, maintenance and disposal/demolition.
The new technical report provides guidance on PTD concepts and processes
as a specifically identified element in a safety and health management
system so that decisions pertaining to occupational risks are incorporated
into the design and redesign processes, including consideration
of the life cycle of facilities, materials and equipment.
ASSE is currently reviewing the draft Z790 document and setting
up stakeholder meetings for those wishing to comment on the draft.
Following this, ASSE will process the standard through the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) canvass process.
Also, on February 17, ASSE will be host to a webinar titled "Prevention
Through Design - Guidelines for Addressing Occupational Risks in
Design and Redesign Processes," which will discuss ASSE's PTD
technical report, share insights on how PTD is being implemented
in a variety of industries and discuss international standards activities.
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