The first step in executing a reasonably safe design is recognizing that we have an ethical duty to do so, and then looking for the hazards. The safest design is one in which the designer keeps safety in mind from the start. And despite the nature of most engineering education, which typically stresses the hard science aspects of design and analysis, consideration of human factors is essential in design of reasonably safe products. Remember that the public is not always aware of the hazards to which they are subjected. Engineered products frequently store energy- sometimes kinetic, electrical, chemical, or potential energy. The general public often does not appreciate the hazards of stored energy; especially those associated with rotating machinery, electrical components, and many other types of engineered devices. As engineers, we are better equipped to recognize these hazards in our designs and to eliminate or minimize them. And it is considerably easier to recognize and consider the hazards early in the design process than to redesign the product after it is in production or under construction.
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