Which practice aids in achieving inherently safer designs?

Choosing the practice that minimizes or eliminates hazards in design is crucial in achieving inherently safer designs. This approach focuses on integrating safety into the design process itself, rather than relying on administrative controls or personal protective equipment after the fact. By addressing potential hazards at the design stage, it significantly reduces risks associated with the operation, making processes safer from the start.

Inherently safer design involves strategies such as substituting less hazardous materials, reducing energy quantities, and simplifying processes, which all contribute to an overall safer environment. This proactive method not only decreases the likelihood of accidents but also enhances operational efficiency and compliance with safety regulations.

In contrast, the other choices do not contribute effectively to achieving inherently safer designs. Regular employee surveys may provide useful insights into safety culture and areas that need improvement, but they do not directly contribute to the design process. Using outdated equipment can compromise safety and increase the potential for hazards, while recruiting external contractors may enhance safety implementations but does not inherently modify design flaws.