ASSESSING THE LEVEL OF AWARENESS ON THE CONCEPT OF DESIGN FOR SAFETY (DFS) AMONGST DESIGN PROFESSIONALS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA

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Date
2021
Authors
ABUBAKAR, Muawiya ZAILANI, Bello Mahmud ADAMU, Abdulgaffar
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Abstract
Designing for construction safety entails safety considerations of construction workers and end users in the design of a project with a view to improve safety performance in construction project delivery. Despite the apparent potential benefits of Design for Safety (DfS) in curbing the persistent safety hazards and accidents faced in the conduct of construction activities, little or no effort has been made in most developing countries including Nigeria to ensure its wide adoption and implementation. This has been argued to be largely due to the dogmatic: attitude of such developing industries towards conventional safety support systems and mechanisms. Thus, with a view to put the argument into clearer perspective, and also set the scene for effective DfS implementation in Nigeria, this study aimed to assess the level of awareness and readiness of professionals towards accepting the concept of DfS, and the possible changes that need to be made in the industry to facilitate its implementation. A quantitative research approach was adopted using a structured questionnaire to elicit data from randomly sampled professionals often involved in design for construction projects in the Nigerian construction industry. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Findings of the study showed a relatively low level of awareness on the concept of DfS amongst industry professionals, and the need to constitute safety training programs which will go a long way in changing the perception of the design professionals towards safety. This will provide them with deeper insight on the contemporary trends in safety management tools and techniques for an improved safety performance.
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Department of Building, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE WABER 2021 CONFERENCE