Analysis of attributes critical to the designer’s prevention through design competence in construction: the case of Malaysia

et al. 2022

IJBPA

Self Cite

PurposeDesign for safety (DfS), also known as prevention through design (PtD), is a concept that mitigates accidents and hazards through considerations during the design stage of building projects. The literature provides much information on this concept, but such information is only limited to a few developed countries such as the UK, the USA and Australia. There is limited insight into DfS implementation in the construction industry of several countries, including countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) such as Kuwait. Therefore, this study investigates DfS implementation among design professionals in the Kuwait construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a questionnaire survey to obtain data from design professionals. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (i.e. analysis of variance and t-test).FindingsThe results revealed that DfS awareness among design professionals is very high; there is a very high willingness among design professionals to apply the concept, and design professionals generally view DfS implementation as important. Despite these, the frequency of implementation of DfS practices is generally moderate. In addition, the results revealed that though there is a high interest in DfS training among the design professionals, their actual engagement in training is low. The results also suggest some association between the frequency of engagement in the DfS practices and designers' DfS awareness, training and education. DfS related regulations, industry guidance, formal education and training are considered by design professionals to have the greatest influence on DfS implementation in Kuwait.Originality/ValueThese emerging findings both mirror and contradict aspects of the outcomes of previous DfS studies in other countries. Furthermore, the findings from this study provide insights into a less investigated area regarding work-related health and safety in the GCC region. It offers new and additional information and insights into the current state-of-the-art DfS implementation in the construction industry in Kuwait. In view of the findings, joined-up efforts by government, industry and academia are needed to enhance DfS implementation by design professionals in Kuwait.

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Design for safety in construction: a study of design professionals in Kuwait

Sharar

Agyekum

et al. 2022

IJBPA

Self Cite

“…Additionally, significant increase of DfS research in Malaysia has been noted for the past years mainly due to the introduction of OSHCI(M). Studies mainly focus on capturing the awareness and readiness of stakeholders towards DfS; for instance, the readiness of designers towards safety and health (Wan Azmi, et al, 2017), DfS knowledge, attitude and practice (Che and DfS designer competence (Ismail, et al, 2021). Other researchers, in particular in sub-Saharan African (i.e., Ghana and Nigeria), Palestine and Kuwait have also shown interest in DfS practice in the construction sector.…”

Section: Knowledge Gap Regarding (Dfs) In the Construction Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

Implementation of Design for Safety (DfS) in Construction in Developing Countries: A Study of Designers in Malaysia

Christermaller

Ibrahim

et al. 2022

CEB

Self Cite

Design for Safety (DfS) is a concept that emphasises eliminating health and safety hazards to construction workers in the design phase. However, despite the importance of DfS implementation, there are limited studies on DfS in developing countries, including Malaysia. This research, therefore, investigates DfS implementation among design professionals in the Malaysian construction industry through a questionnaire survey. The response was analysed by conducting descriptive analyses and inferential statistical tests. The findings revealed a high implementation of DfS practices among designers parallel with having high awareness of DfS concept and a positive attitude towards DfS implementation. However, the engagement in DfS professional training is low, despite the fact that the designers showed a high interest in DfS professional training. While the findings revealed limited association between the implementation of DfS practices and designers’ professional body membership, designers’ professional role, and the size of designers’ organisation, the findings also showed that DfS awareness and DfS training were associated with greater implementation of DfS practices. Furthermore, the design professionals perceive DfS education, client’s influence and DfS legislation as being the most important factors that affect DfS implementation in Malaysia. This study adds to the current DfS body of knowledge by providing deeper insights into the current state of designer awareness, education training, influencing factors, and DfS engagement, especially when DfS legislative framework is in place. Such findings could serve as a guide for other countries in the event of future developments related to DfS implementation.

“…First, the limited research on PtD in DCs has not adopted interpretivism and constructivism perspective. For example, Ismail et al. (2021) profile designers' PtD competence in Malaysia using a statistical questionnaire survey.…”

Section: Introduction and Rationale For The Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…First, the limited research on PtD in DCs has not adopted interpretivism and constructivism perspective. For example, Ismail et al (2021) profile designers' PtD competence in Malaysia using a statistical questionnaire survey. Manu et al (2018) adopt a positivist paradigm to examine the awareness and practice of PtD among architects in Ghana using a questionnaire survey.…”

Section: Introduction and Rationale For The Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Critical barriers to prevention through design in construction in Developing Countries: a qualitative inquiry

Umeokafor

Windapo

et al. 2022

ECAM

PurposeGiven the complexities in improving safety in the construction industry globally, which is exacerbated by the complex safety environment in developing countries (DCs), prevention through design (PtD) has been established to improve occupational safety and health (OSH) where applied. However, it has received very little attention in DCs and the extant literature with limitations. Using Nigeria as a case study, the current study advances the understanding of PtD in DCs by investigating the critical barriers to PtD and other potential OSH responsibilities of designers in the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachTwenty-eight semi-structured interviews and e-interviews of architects, builders and civil engineers in Nigeria were analysed using the six-phase thematic analysis. To improve the trustworthiness of the research, triangulation, peer-debriefing, refining the interview protocol and thick detailed description were done.FindingsThe study's findings question the extant general knowledge and understanding of PtD among clients and designers and its technical aspect among designers where it is skewed to structural safety and omitted in universities' curricula. This explains the inconclusive findings of existing studies on why there is a high level of awareness of PtD but a low level of implementation. There is little client support for PtD, and designers have limited influence on clients in terms of it. The fear of liability from PtD is exacerbated by the limited legal system and lack of adequate legislation in the country. The demotivating attitudes of clients and contractors towards designers in terms of PtD are also reported, just as there are project delivery barriers such as traditional procurement not supporting PtD as design and build procurement does.Social implicationsFor the sustainable growth in the practice of PtD, the increased and improved quality of education and awareness of PtD is needed but this must focus on instilling a robust understanding of it among designers based on the local context. This educational requirement can be supported by statute.Originality/valueThrough qualitative data, the findings explain and offer insight into the inconclusive findings in the extant studies on PtD in Nigeria. Also, it contributes to improving health and safety by advancing the understanding of the critical barriers to PtD and other potential OSH responsibilities of designers in D Nigeria's construction using qualitative data.