Hamilton By Design

When incidents occur on industrial, mining, manufacturing and infrastructure projects, the investigation often identifies hazards that were already known or reasonably foreseeable. The question is not always whether a hazard existed. The question is often: Why wasn't it identified early enough to influence the design, planning or execution of the project? Modern engineering projects are becoming increasingly complex. Assets are larger, projects are delivered faster, and maintenance activities are often undertaken in operating facilities. As a result, project teams must identify and manage hazards throughout the entire asset lifecycle rather than waiting until construction or commissioning begins. Hazard Identification Starts Long Before Construction Many organisations still view hazard identification as a compliance exercise performed during a project review or risk workshop. In reality, effective hazard identification should begin during concept development and continue through: D...

Designing for Developing Hazards Crane accidents are among the most visible reminders of the risks inherent in construction. The collapse of a crane at a data centre site in Derrimut, Melbourne , brought attention once again to the vulnerability of temporary lifting structures. While formal investigations are still underway, and no conclusions should be drawn prematurely, the event provides a valuable opportunity for reflection within the engineering community. This article considers the collapse not as an isolated failure but as a case study in hazard identification . In particular, it highlights how mechanical engineers must adapt from a static, design-phase view of risk to a dynamic, real-time approach to hazard monitoring . Wind, soil stability, and load conditions are well-known hazards. But with modern tools — including LiDAR scanning for obstacle detection — engineers can move toward a future where developing hazards are continuously tracked, anticipated, and controlled. Fro...