Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026

A Test Bed to Examine Helmet Fit and Retention and Biomechanical Measures of Head and Neck Injury in Simulated Impact
Published on: September 21, 2017
The role of design issues in work-related fatal injury in Australia
Timothy R Driscoll1, James E Harrison, Clare Bradley
1School of Public Health, University of Sydney NSW 2006, Australia. timd@health.usyd.edu.au
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.
Related Concept Videos
Design Consideration
The factor of safety is another key aspect...
Survey Safety
Design Example: Calculating Safe Diameter for Wind-Exposed Disc
Prismatic Beams: Problem Solving
The design begins with analyzing the beam as a free body to identify moments and force balances, thereby determining support reactions. Next, the designer...
Fatigue
Design Example: Designing Water Slide
Bernoulli's principle determines the water's velocity along the slide.
