Example: develop and implement processes to ensure documentation of responsibilities, duties and accountabilities

Sherrie works in a small team of people who are developing a procedure for equipment storage in their workplace. Unfortunately at the last team meeting two team members had completed work on the same thing without talking to the rest of the group. Not only had time been wasted by duplicating work, but the work produced did not take into account important safety considerations.

The team decided that the best way to overcome this issue was to draw up a project plan that documented the roles and responsibilities of each member, and to arrange a weekly progress meeting.

Sherrie divided up the roles based on the expertise in the group and designed a meeting agenda and action list, naming the responsible person for completing key actions and the time frame they must do it in.

The team members also agreed that relevant hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control considerations should be discussed at every meeting.

By developing and implementing these processes, Sherrie’s team effectively used principles of safe design when designing and writing their equipment storage procedure.