What is one of the three principles of safe design in quality and safety?

One of the fundamental principles of safe design in quality and safety is to standardize when possible. This approach emphasizes the importance of creating consistent and predictable processes that enhance safety and quality outcomes. By standardizing procedures, organizations can reduce variability, which often leads to errors and safety incidents. When systems and practices are uniform, it becomes easier for staff to follow protocols, understand expectations, and identify when something is amiss.

Standardization fosters a culture of safety by ensuring that all team members are aware of and adhere to the same safety guidelines and quality standards, thereby minimizing the risk of unsafe practices. It also facilitates training and onboarding processes, as new employees can be introduced to a consistent framework. Additionally, standardized protocols can help in monitoring performance and implementing improvements over time based on data collected from those same standardized practices.

The other options do not align with safe design principles. Minimizing training efforts can lead to inadequate preparation and increased risk. Ignoring defects contradicts the commitment to safety and quality, as addressing issues is vital to preventing future problems. Optimizing individual performance may prioritize individual capabilities over systemic factors, which can also introduce variability and increase risk in safety practices.