Regulatory strategies for the safe design of plant

Abstract

This working paper highlights key differences between the Australian and European regimes and identifies some options for improving the regulation of safe design under Australian OHS law. In particular, the discussion focuses on: (1) the types of plant to which safe design requirements should apply; (2) the parties with designated responsibilities; (3) the systematic process of risk management; (4) the use of technical standards to underpin safe design; (5) testing and examination, technical assessment and design verification of plant; (6) provision of information; (7) documentation of safe design; (8) use of safe design ‘marks’ or identifiers; (9) qualification of safe design obligations; and (10) consistency in regulation of safe design. Each of these elements are addressed in turn, proposing some goals for regulating safe design of plant and outlining some strategies for achieving these goals. Show more