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Abstract. Many construction work tasks are physically very strenuous and the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among construction workers is considerably higher than those in most other occupations. The aim of the study presented in this paper was to contribute to understanding a healthy construction site brought about by the best practices implemented by large construction sites to prevent WMSDs. A triangulation method made of interviews, site observations and studies on company"s documents was used to identify the best practices in 13 several construction projects. A range of the best practices both in the pre-construction and construction phases of the projects were identified in six different areas of the balance of the construction workplace system; however, there seems to be a significant need for good practices in the management of a systematic work environment. It is now established that Swedish construction industry has several best practices to protect work-related musculoskeletal health. However, inadequate worker participation and the neglect of health and safety issues by designers in the planning process as well as the implications of some remuneration methods on the production schedule were perceived as detrimental to the musculoskeletal health of construction workers.

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Purpose -The purpose of the paper is to investigate how health and safety gains and improvements of the construction workplace can be made through the use of three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) visualization technologies. Design/methodology/approach -The methodology used in the paper was a combination of semi-structured interviews with five construction project planners from three construction projects and observations of a 4D model used in one of the three projects. Findings -The findings of the paper have shown a great potential for 3D and 4D visualization in terms of communicating construction information as well as the health and safety risks in the design process where clash detection, work tasks sequence, workspace congestion can be identified by project stakeholders who are thus able to plan for alternative solutions to reduce or eliminate rework, heavy material handling and repetitive and awkward postures which expose workers to musculoskeletal injury risk.Research limitations/implications -The 3D and 4D models as they are currently used in the design of construction projects, particularly in the three projects investigated in this paper, still lack the worker reference frame and the visual interaction between the worker and the permanent as well as the temporary works. Originality/value -The paper describes the current and emerging trends in the development of 3D, virtual reality and 4D computer-aided design visualization and simulation, which have affected or are likely to have an impact on construction projects planning in the Swedish construction sector.