Exploring the integration of health and safety with pre‐construction planning

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on findings from a research project, commissioned by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), to investigate the integration of health and safety with pre‐construction planning. Design/methodology/approach Four steering groups and three expert panels were interviewed, using focus group methods, to define critical success factors through qualitative, grounded theory, analysis. Findings The main outcomes from the analysis are: critical success factors rely on adopting integrated teams; and effective two‐way flow of information is essential. Also, existing design and management tools can be adapted to satisfy the factors identified as opposed to prescribed requirements for a standard health and safety plan. Originality/value This study has informed further research including the development of a gateway process model and supporting integrated management tools. It has also informed HSE with policy decisions for their review of CDM.