Design for safety in the construction industry: a study of architecture and engineering firms in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose This research aims to examine the practice of design for safety (DfS) in the construction industry of Saudi Arabia. Design/methodology/approach The study has adopted a mixed-method approach through the use of questionnaire surveys administered to professionals in architecture and engineering firms, as well as follow-up interviews with selected participants. The participants consisted of architects, structural engineers and electromechanical engineers. The study investigated dimensions related to knowledge and awareness, attitude toward DfS implementation and critical success factors for DfS implementation. These various dimensions have been assessed accordingly through the mean ratings in the relevant section of this paper. The thematic responses obtained from the follow-up interviews have been summarized and presented. Findings The findings from this study reveal a high level of awareness of DfS in Saudi Arabia. It also revealed that the most influential critical success factors are legislation and awareness of stakeholders, whereas the major barrier is the fear of cost overruns by the clients and their representatives. Originality/value The design stage of construction projects is crucial to enhancing the safety performance of projects through effective control of hazardous situations. The concept of DfS is, however, immature in many countries, such as Saudi Arabia, due to lack of awareness, enabling policies and other barriers. The value of this study is that it shows the current level of knowledge and practice of DfS in architecture and engineering firms in Saudi Arabia and consequently triggers the interest of stakeholders in its adoption and implementation.

Assessing Environmental Management Plan Implementation in Water Supply Construction Projects: Key Performance Indicators

“…Additionally, Ref. [28] examined the implementation and design of safety practices in the Saudi Arabian construction industry. This work highlighted that crucial success factors for safety practices include legislation and stakeholder awareness, while a major barrier involves clients' and their representatives' apprehension regarding cost overruns.…”

Safety Planning and Safety Control on Safety Performance

“…According to Hou et al (2020) is a systematic planning process for identifying, evaluating, and mitigating safety risks in the workplace through the development and implementation of an effective preventive action plan. According to Hassanain et al (2022) is the process of developing and implementing a systematic and holistic prevention plan to reduce safety risks in the workplace by considering technical, managerial and organizational factors. Then it can be synthesized that safety planning is a systematic planning process to identify safety hazards, evaluate risks, and formulate appropriate preventive measures to reduce risks and improve health and safety in the workplace.…”