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

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 minimise risks before they become costly and dangerous issues which 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 utilised 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 costs, schedule problems, absence of contracts and regulations and designers’ lack of safety knowledge and skills. The largest influential factors were regulatory liability on the designer (29%) and increasing costs (27%). The study found that 59% of site accidents were due to less trained workers. Of the respondents, 87% suggested revision of contracts and regulations. This study proposes a framework for checking constructability with respect to safety standards. An alternative project delivery method – that is, design–build – is recommended to reduce health and safety accidents and barriers.