Prevention through Design: A Macroergonomic Conceptual Approach to Risk Reduction

Abstract

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Prevention through Design is the first U.S. macroergonomic initiative to address occupational and environmental risks associated with work operations. In the Prevention through Design approach, all aspects of the work operation (worker, equipment, materials, environment, processes) are evaluated, inherent risks identified, and design solutions generated. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health launched an initiative in 2008 to disseminate Prevention through Design methods in all industrial sectors. Innovative design solutions are being developed to reduce injury, illness, and pollution arising from agriculture, construction, manufacturing, commercial fishing, healthcare, and mining. Diffusion of new design solutions and adoption within the industries, though, remain major hurdles to implementation. Therefore, this article describes a conceptual model to predict industry acceptance of these innovations. Practicing ergonomists and occupational safety and health professionals can employ the constructs of this model in developing intervention strategies within the workplace.