An assessment of factors inhibiting designers from complying with health and safety regulations in their design

The construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 (CDM) place an important duty on designers to consider the health and safety of the workforce by designing out and minimising risks associated with the construction, maintenance and demolition of a building. Despite the specific duties imposed by the regulations on designers, statistics by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal that two-thirds of designers did not take them into consideration when working on their designs. This study aims at addressing the root cause of this by assessing the designers' level of awareness, understanding and expected commitment to the CDM regulations. In addition, the study seeks to determine the specific aspects of the regulations that designers have not been taking into consideration and the factors inhibiting compliance with health and safety regulations. The study was conducted through a questionnaire survey of UK construction designers and other construction industry participants. Results showed that whilst most respondents claimed to be fully conversant with their duties under the CDM, many indicated that the regulations require some clarifications as unspecific wordings in many cases means that the regulations are open to interpretations. Results further showed that inadequate time to explore design alternatives and budget constraints imposed by the client significantly inhibit designs from being able to comply with health and safety regulations at the design stage.