The Power of Collaboration

By John A. Gambatese, Matthew Hallowell, Frank M. Renshaw, Margaret M. Quinn and Pamela Heckel Examples of the prevention through design (PTD) concept exist in practice in all industrial sectors, including the construction, manufacturing, healthcare and service industries. Process and design solutions have been developed and implemented to reduce or eliminate risks to occupational safety and health (OSH). Awareness is building that engaging with designers as part of OSH management is an effective practice for reducing injuries, illnesses and fatalities (Manuele, 1997). Effective diffusion and implementation of the PTD concept call for detailed understanding of the principles and practices of both design and OSH. PTD also requires that architects, engineers and designers know the processes, jobs and work conditions associated with their designs and that they understand the associated risks. Engaging those who construct, manufacture, use and maintain their designs also is important. PTD is genuinely a collaborative process that encompasses multiple areas of expertise and stakeholders. While PTD is a recognized and established practice attribute in some industrial sectors, the complexities and barriers associated with its implementation have inhibited its diffusion in other sectors. A lack of OSH knowledge among design professionals, fear of liability for injuries, a lack of available design tools, insufficient funding and time for design, and lack of methods to engage workers and OSH professionals in the design limit PTD implementation (Brown-Williams, Lichterman, Quinn, et al., 2010; Gambatese, Behm & Hinze, 2005; Hecker, Gambatese & Weinstein, 2005; Quinn, Fuller, Bello, et al., 2006; Quinn, Pentecost, Fisher, et al., 2009; Toole, 2002, 2004). These barriers are not insurmountable (Gambatese, et al., 2005), as is evident from the many instances of PTD in practice. In addition, when PTD design solutions are implemented, it is believed that the benefits are positive, not only for OSH but also for work quality, productivity and cost (Gambatese, Hinze & Haas, 1997). Enhancing the adoption of PTD throughout all industrial IN BRIEF •Prevention through design (PTD) research is needed in all phases of the research-to-practice cycle. •NIOSH’s 2011 conference provided examples of research that are shaping how PTD is received and implemented. •PTD is a collaborative process that involves many stakeholders and can be an avenue to innovation, as well as to achieving design goals related to quality, cost and productivity. •This article summarizes the research and describes how those findings are woven into and benefit PTD practice.