Universal safety and design: Transition from universal design to a new philosophy

BACKGROUND: The philosophy of universal design contributes to providing age-friendly products and environments in the ageing society. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to establish the philosophy of universal safety and design to ensure the safety and health of product users and production workers. METHODS: The concept and principles of universal safety and design are developed based on the limitations of universal design and the necessity of a new philosophy. RESULTS: Requirements of physical support, flexibility, accessibility, ensuring safety and health, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability are proposed for implementing the universal safety and design philosophy. Also, the guidelines for applying the universal safety and design philosophy are presented. CONCLUSIONS: The principles presented in this study can be applied to reduce incidents and ensure productivity in customers and production workers by helping them to work efficiently, comfortably, and safely.