The role of design issues in work-related fatal injury in Australia

PROBLEM: This study aimed to provide an assessment of the contribution of design to the occurrence of fatal work-related injuries in Australia. METHODS: The Australian National Coroners' Information System was the data source for fatal injuries. Deaths resulting from workplace injuries on or between 1 July 2000 and 30 June 2002 were included. RESULTS: Seventy seven (37%) of the 210 identified workplace fatalities definitely or probably had design-related issues involved. In another 29 (14%), the circumstances were suggestive that design issues were involved. The most common scenarios involved problems with rollover protective structures and/or associated seat belts; inadequate guarding; lack of residual current devices; inadequate fall protection; failed hydraulic lifting systems in vehicles and mobile equipment; and inadequate protection mechanisms on mobile plant and vehicles. SUMMARY: Design is a significant contributor to work-related fatal injury in Australia. There is considerable scope for preventing serious work-related injury through improving design of plant, equipment, and vehicles used for work-related purposes.