The CHAIR Process – Gone but Not Forgotten
Exploring the CHAIR Safety in Design tool with John Daly, MD – Safe Design Australia
What is the CHAIR Safety in Design Tool?
The CHAIR Safety in Design tool (WorkCover NSW, 2001) was an evidence-based, structured approach to managing design-related safety risks. “CHAIR” stood for Construction Hazard Assessment and Implication Review and encouraged multidisciplinary safety risk reviews at critical project stages, laying the groundwork for today’s various stakeholder Safety in Design (SiD) workshops, SiD safety sessions, design risk assesment or hazard review meetings. For an excellent overview of what Safety in Design is, download our free ebook
How CHAIR Supported Safety in Design
Specifically, CHAIR focused on targeted risk reviews aligned with design phases – such as identifying construction hazards early during design meetings or Safety in Design workshops. This logical and staged approach helped teams collaboratively consider risks at every stage of a project.
Design and safety professionals applying the CHAIR Safety in Design tool in a collaborative risk review session.
The Code of Practice Today
The Safe Design of Structures Code of Practice or CoP (Safe Work Australia, 2024) adopts a broader approach. Generally it emphasises early, proactive consideration of lifecycle hazards – including construction, operation, maintenance, and eventual demolition – from the start of the design process.
So why do Safety in Design Workshops Still Matter?
Though today’s CoP doesn’t explicitly require SiD workshops, we find our clients continue to see their value. These multidiscilpinary sessions focus stakeholders on unique and unusual design aspects, helping collaboratively identify and eliminate hazards early and record any significant residual design risks for downstream stakeholders.
Integrating CHAIR Principles into Modern Practice
At Safe Design Australia, we combine the strengths of both approaches. We continue to integrate CHAIR-inspired methods into the SiD Workshops and sessions we run to support compliance, drive meaningful conversations, and deliver safer, smarter design outcomes.
Curious to experience this in action? Safety starts with a conversation – let’s talk
info@safedesignaustralia.com.au
Some Further Reading
- Safe Work Australia (2024). Safe Design of Structures Code of Practice.
- WorkCover NSW (2001). CHAIR Safety in Design Tool. Though no longer published, we discuss CHAIRS practical application in our downloadable Safe Design in Practice ebook HERE
