At NEDCON, a successful project starts not only with a smart design, but above all with a safe design. Safety does not end at the drawing board; it runs like a common thread throughout the entire project. An important tool in this process is the Design Risk Assessment (DRA).
In this blog, Harm Klaverdijk, Technical Project Manager at NEDCON, explains how he has been working with the DRA for many years, why it is so important, and the impact it has on projects, colleagues and customers.
What is a DRA?
The DRA is a document in which all potential project risks are identified. In Harm’s words: “A risk analysis of the design and installation methods, aimed at eliminating hazards on site as much as possible.”
The DRA is not static; throughout the project, it is regularly reviewed and refined where necessary. By continuously reassessing risks and incorporating them into the design, execution remains as safe as possible, from start to final delivery.
From sales phase to a safe final design
Harm has been working at NEDCON for 34 years and, in his role as Technical Project Manager, is mainly involved once a project transitions from sales to execution.“During the sales phase, additional risks related to design and installation are identified as much as possible,” Harm explains. “After the handover, we take over.”
In the next phase, this initial risk assessment is further detailed. In addition to standard components, an average project consists largely of customer-specific solutions. Specific conditions on site also often play a significant role. The design must not only meet customer requirements, but also be safe to install. Any additional risks that become visible at this stage are identified and assessed.
Learning and continuous improvement
The DRA is a document which is constantly evolving. “Experiences from projects lead to improvements in designs and installation methods,” Harm explains. “Risks that occur repeatedly can eventually be permanently resolved.”
A good example of this is the clips on our sigma profiles used for placing gratings. “These have been continuously developed over the past twenty years and are now a standard part of our deliveries,” says Harm.
In this way, the DRA contributes not only to safety, but also to the continuous improvement of our products and working methods.
Added value for customers and the organization
Why is the DRA essential? For Harm, the answer is clear: “It ensures a good and safe design that can also be installed safely, while providing insight into costs.”
For customers, the DRA mainly offers transparency and clarity. “The DRA clearly highlights which specific points of attention apply within a project,” Harm explains.
Internally, the DRA creates better understanding between departments. “It shows how important it is to think together about safety and to understand each other’s roles within the project.”
Moving forward safely, together
Harm also sees an important role for the DRA in the future. “It is an indispensable tool for preventing safety risks and a powerful tool to further improve our products and working methods.”
At NEDCON, the DRA demonstrates that safety is in our DNA. It forms the foundation of how we design, collaborate and continue to improve.
