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

Abstract

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.