KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES FOR DESIGN FOR SAFETY: A STUDY ON CIVIL ENGINEERS

Abstract

Design for Safety (DfS) looks into safety early on in the project in the design phase where changes are easier and less costly to implement. The knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of the Civil Engineers, whom are the executers, thus play a critical role in ensuring successful implementation of DfS. The aim of this research is to investigate the DfS KAP of designers. The specific objectives are to: (i) establish baseline levels of DfS knowledge, attitude and practice of civil engineering designers, (ii) ascertain the possible impediments to the implementation of DfS, (iii) develop DfS interventions to help in delivering and improving the DfS KAP of civil engineering designers and (iv) determine if a KAP gap exists when knowledge and favourable attitude do not lead toward adoption of a practice.

A comprehensive literature review on DfS and KAP was first conducted to assist in the design of the questionnaire survey directed at civil engineers. The data was then analysed by SPSS software and the one sample t-test was used. Additionally, interviews with industry professionals were carried out to further understand the attitude of professionals towards DfS.

Primary findings suggest a sufficient level of knowledge, a positive attitude among Civil Engineers but a low uptake of practice in DfS. Impediments such as the mind-set of the stakeholders and the disintegrated industry have contributed to it. Interventions such as legislation and awareness induction have been proposed to alleviate the situation and to further propel the success of DfS.