A knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) study on prevention through design: a dynamic insight into civil and structural engineers in Malaysia

Key attributes of designers' competency for prevention through design (PtD) practices in construction: a review

“…The lack of knowledge in a particular subject may also be alleviated if a designer has the ability to use safety tools that have databases of design alternatives to help guide the decision-making process (Toole, 2005). Consequently, there is no interchangeably between knowledge, skills and experience for designers in PtD implementation (Manu et al, 2019b;Che Ibrahim and Belayutham, 2020). This is consistent with related PtD regulations and guidelines, e.g.…”

“…The fact that designers' consideration of construction safety has been mainly discretionary, particularly in the absence of relevant knowledge and practices (i.e. know-how) (Hinze and Wiegand, 1992;Che Ibrahim and Belayutham, 2020), such attributes could act as a point of reference that could further instil and encourage the preventive culture among design professionals. Moreover, clients could use such reference to assess and appoint designers based on the PtD capability (i.e.…”

“…The need for PtD knowledge is well recognised as the critical element to define the competency of a designer. PtD researchers have indicated that the profound lack of knowledge to practice PtD among construction design professionals is compelling (Gambatese et al, 2017;Che Ibrahim and Belayutham, 2020). It has been suggested that the understanding of PtD has long been associated with the nature of construction life cycle.…”

“…Studies (e.g. Webster, 2013;Che Ibrahim and Belayutham, 2020) have indicated that the characteristics (e.g. early integration between parties, risk and rewards, flexibility, opportunity to innovate) of collaborative procurement allows designers to recognise construction site safety and constructability as a part of design criterion during the planning phase.…”

“…Studies by Driscoll et al (2008) and Hui (2015) found that 44% of construction fatalities were "design-related" in Australia and Singapore, respectively. In general, the recorded percentage of construction accident cases associated with permanent works design ranges between 40% and 70% (see Che Ibrahim and Belayutham, 2020), highlighting that decisions made by designers at the design phase could have significant implications for the safety of workers. Consequently, the interest on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) practices, particularly in regards to the involvement of designers (for proper implementation of OSH at construction sites), has grown in various countries.…”