Integrating disaster risk management into construction: a UK perspective

Abstract

Although most disasters are not entirely unexpected and therefore can, to varying degrees, be mitigated for, the construction sector in the UK does not play a sufficiently integrated role in disaster risk management. This paper reports on research that is developing a knowledge database and decision support framework to enable more effective disaster risk management strategies from a construction perspective. Questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews were used to review the opinions of professionals involved with activities such as emergency planning, construction, urban planning and insurance on issues related to disaster risk management in the UK. The findings suggest that knowledge and awareness of integrated approaches is poor and the construction sector as a key stakeholder and potential resource is not being used sufficiently. The key recommendations are: construction related stakeholders need to become more involved in groups such as Local Resilience Teams and Forums; risk and hazard awareness training needs to be integrated systematically into the professional training of architects, planners, engineers, developers etc.; and the construction sector should embrace and pre-empt regulatory changes regarding resilient construction requirements.

Enhancing post-disaster reconstruction capacity through lifelong learning in higher education

“…Though there have been many attempts to increase disaster resilience through capacity building and development initiatives, gaps in capacity are still in existence in various forms. Among such gaps identified in disaster risk reduction in the built environment are a lack of disaster management related awareness; a lack of proper education and training, and a lack of skilled and trained human resources (Bosher et al, 2007b). Therefore, these gaps indicate that 'education' is a key to addressing such capacity gaps.…”

Resilient design for community safety and terror-resistant cities

“…In short, the search for interprofessional solutions in resilient planning aims to facilitate a joined-up approach to development among the police, emergency planners, spatial planners and other built environment professionals through incorporating risk management into urban decision-making. 30 Similar reforms have taken place in transport operations, with an increasingly regulatory approach for both national 'heavy' rail and urban light rail or metro systems, and the publication of a recommended best practice guide for bus and coach security. 33 Development of this multi-level and inter-professional managerial nexus for resilience is still ongoing and has tended to be more concerned with developing statutory obligations than in broadening the inclusively of decision making.…”

“…Current research has identified that key stakeholders recognise that resilient design will become central to planning, construction guidelines and legislation in the near future. 30 An important aspect of counter-terrorism design is that it can provide benefits at very low cost if it is implemented at the planning stage of a shopping area, rail system or venue, 31 whereas costs can be much higher in a retro-fit situation. 32 For example, this message was reinforced by Lord West's counterterrorism report, which emphasised how proactive engineering and management solutions to mitigate the impact of terrorism should be incorporated into pre-planning and design stages of new developments.…”

Role of urban design and planning in disaster risk reduction

“…Mileti (1999), Ofori (2004) and Bosher and Dainty (2011) also underline the importance of the construction sector in minimising the adverse impacts of disasters through hazard mitigation. Traditionally, two types of hazard mitigation are considered (Bosher et al, 2007b).…”