Does implementing an inherently safer design approach guarantee that a process has no risk?

The assertion that implementing an inherently safer design approach guarantees that a process has no risk is inaccurate. Inherently safer design focuses on minimizing risks by eliminating or reducing hazards within a process. However, it does not eliminate all risks entirely, as there are always residual risks that must be managed.

No design approach can guarantee zero risk; all processes involve some level of uncertainty or potential for harm due to various factors such as human error, equipment failure, or unforeseen circumstances. Even with the most robust inherently safer design, risks may still exist, albeit at lower levels than in traditional designs. Therefore, the correct recognition that inherently safer design minimizes but does not completely remove risk aligns with the principles of risk management in engineering and safety practices. It emphasizes the importance of continuous assessment and management of risks even when inherently safer strategies are employed.