Construction safety challenges and opportunities at design stage for building industry in Pakistan

Abstract

The implementation of Design for Construction Safety (DfCS) at the early design phase can proactively identify and address potential hazards in construction projects. By integrating safety considerations into the design process, it becomes possible to eliminate or minimize risks before they become costly and dangerous issues can also be avoided during construction. To gain insights into the current practices and barriers faced by professionals in the construction industry of Pakistan regarding DfCS, a comprehensive study was conducted. This study utilized a combination of questionnaire-based surveys and interviews to gather data from various stakeholders involved in the design and construction processes. The research revealed that DfCS was absent in the standard design practice. The weaknesses identified for the implementation of DfCS were designers’ inevitable doubts about increasing cost, schedule problems, absence of contracts and regulations, designers’ lack of safety knowledge and skills. The largest influential factors were regulatory liability on the designer (29%) and increasing costs (27%). The study identified that less trained worker were rated 59% for site accidents. 87% of respondents suggested revision of contract and regulations. The study proposed a framework to check constructability with respect to safety standards. Alternative project delivery method i.e., Design Build (DB) was recommended to reduce health and safety accidents and barriers.