Drivers for implementing design for safety in construction: a review

Abstract

Design for safety is a prominent means of preventing fatalities and injuries at construction workplaces. This concept has recently gained much attention among construction safety domain researchers. A study was undertaken to explore the key drivers for implementing design for safety in construction and to identify research trends. Eighty-four journal articles published by 2020 were extracted from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The influential keywords, articles, sources and authors in the field of design for safety were examined. According to the findings, most of the studies focused on the context of designer knowledge, skill and education. Although the literature suggests that client legislation, influence and motivation were important drivers for implementing design for safety, there was limited research on these areas. The study can help academics and practitioners to understand better the key drivers for implementing design for safety in construction.