New concepts of collaboration in construction: Could they lead to health and safety improvements?

This paper presents experiences with new forms of collaboration in the construction industry and their present impact on health and safety (H&S) at the building site. These experiences and suggestions for improvements were gathered through five focus group interviews with various actors in the construction sector. The interviews reveal that work with H&S and the new collaboration forms at the building site have meeting points in terms of planning, objectives, communication, community spirit, common facilities, coordination, conflict handling, competence needs, and evaluation. The new forms of collaboration in construction have the potential to influence the H&S work in a constructive way.