Prevention through design: guidelines for designers

Abstract

The workplace of construction is considered complex with diversity of activities, teams, using machinery and equipment during the production process. Also particular aspects are inherent to the methods of production. If considering the multiple factors involved in construction and their high rates of accidents, it means that is crucial to implement preventive measures thought from the beginning of risks, during the project design. Generally, literature presents the benefits of prevention through design, demonstrates the viability and makes projections for the future. In some countries, the legislation of responsibility for construction worker safety is also shared with the designer. However the existing material is still new, integrating safety considerations into the design process in practice is low and there are still many difficulties and associated resistances. In this context, this paper aims to presentation an ongoing study, which its objective is contribute to filling this gap in order to directly assist the designers and contractors. The proposal is to produce a model for integrating safety considerations into the design process and a practical guide containing work safety guidelines for designers.