Good design can help create a safer and more efficient workplace.
The Greater Melbourne Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) provide burial, cremation and memorialisation services for 19 locations across the Greater Melbourne region.
To meet the future needs of their communities, a new operations depot for the Northern Memorial Park has recently been developed. Designed by Melbourne-based studio Searle x Waldron Architecture, the depot centralises the operational needs of the GMCT. The project aims for sensitive and sustainable design outcomes to house both office and operational functions, including administrative areas, workshops, storage facilities and staff amenities.
Architecture & Access was appointed by Searle x Waldron to provide Safety in Design (SiD) consulting services.
Our Safety in Design process has been developed to assist designers of buildings and structures intended for use as workplaces to meet their obligations under state and federal Work Health & Safety and Occupational Health & Safety legislation.
Commencing early in the project, we identified several key safety risks due to the nature of activities taking place in the building, which range from daily office tasks to vehicle maintenance and the storage of heavy equipment.
Key risks identified included:
- Manual Handling: The potential for strain injuries in areas where equipment and materials are regularly moved.
- Vehicle and Pedestrian Interaction: Ensuring safe pathways for both staff and vehicle traffic to prevent collisions.
- Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards: Risks associated with wet or uneven surfaces, particularly in workshop and entry areas.
- Fire Safety and Egress: The need for clear and effective evacuation routes, especially given the multi-level design.
The Safety in Design Process
Managing this project required a collaborative, structured approach to embed safety into every stage of design. We started by conducting comprehensive hazard analysis and workshops with key stakeholders, including architects, engineers and GMCT representatives. This early engagement was critical to understanding the specific operational needs and potential hazards.
A pivotal part of the process was the development of a Design Risk Register. This tool captured identified risks and documented mitigation measures, such as installing mechanical lifting aids to minimise manual handling strains and using high-visibility floor markings and bollards to delineate pedestrian pathways.
Regular review meetings ensured all stakeholders were aligned and responsive to evolving requirements.
With a focus on Safety in Design, the GMCT has ensured the building meets the required legislation, is safe, and works well for everyone who uses it.
Credit: Architect: Searle x Waldron Architecture
Photographer: Peter Bennetts
