Can User Centered Design Methods Improve Construction Safety?

Abstract

Safety of construction industry has been a source of concern for a long time. The high number of mortality and morbidity makes it one of the most dangerous industries to work for. Evidence shows that fatalities in the construction industry can be linked to decisions taken during the design phase. This realization has invoked a movement towards involving the designers in safety of workers and users. In recent years, academics and professionals have focused on the concept of Construction Hazards Prevention through Design (CHPtD) in which designers consider improving the safety of construction workers by reducing hazards during the design phase. In the absence of any legislative requirement for the designers to practice CHPtD, there is lack of clarity about the responsibilities the designers have to undertake in the process. So far most of the publications related to CHPtD offer solutions in the form of design recommendations to the designers or as an expert system that is connected to a knowledge base. However, none of these offer any suggestions to integrate safety consideration with the design process. The authors have looked into user centered design methods as a probable method that will facilitate the designers to integrate safety consideration during design process.