Construction Work Health and Safety Management Using Building Information Modelling

Introduction

Construction is known as one of the most dangerous industries in which to work and many safety incidents, injuries and fatalities could be prevented through improved design, planning and communication. BIM is an enabler technology that involves the generation and management of digital WHS information in construction. It facilitates the separation of people and hazards by the use of technology and data. The purpose of this chapter is to better understand the application of BIM to support WHS management and, specifically, the role the client can play in enhancing its application. Under this overarching aim, this chapter will explore the use and adoption of BIM for WHS management; briefly examine the barriers and enablers for BIM adoption; identify solutions for integrating WHS management in BIM-enabled project planning, design and delivery; and explore procurement frameworks and the client’s role in the use of BIM for WHS management. The chapter presents key results of Phase 1 of a four phase study being conducted in New South Wales a state in Australia:

• 1.

  Phase 1: Identify solutions for integrating the WHS aspect in BIM-enabled project planning, design and delivery.

  • Understand how and to what extent BIM is used and can be used for WHS management, including identifying the different options of implementation and associated barriers, enablers, limitations, and consequences for WHS risk reduction for the industry, the government and the regulator.

• 2.

  Phase 2: Evaluation of WHS management in BIM-enabled project proposals.

  • As part of a procurement process and identify preferred procurement models and best practices to evaluate WHS management in BIM-enabled project proposals and recommend best way for government agencies to evaluate the quality of WHS management in BIM-enabled project proposals.

• 3.

  Phase 3: Evaluation of the proposed approach for its adoption

  • Understand the implications of the recommended solutions for integrating the WHS aspect in BIM-enabled project planning, design and delivery (objective 1) and for enabling the evaluation of WHS management in BIM-enabled project proposals at the procurement stage (objective 2).

• 4.

  Phase 4: Transfer of Knowledge and Dissemination.

  • Disseminate findings to the industry, to NSW citizens, to the students and to the research community.

However even given the local context the international setting is well considered and presented. It is noted that the funder of the study is the multinational company Lendlease a globally recognised ‘digital delivery’ innovator and so the study has significant international relevance.

Background

The construction industry is well known for its hazardous working conditions and association with a concerning number of injuries and fatalities. The issue of WHS is international, with the construction industry responsible for the highest proportion of the 2.3 million work-related fatalities that occur around the world each year (International Labour Organization, 2020). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2019) of the United States (US), construction worker fatalities are increasing (from 965 in 2017 to 1003 in 2018). Similarly, construction workers in the United Kingdom (UK) constituted the highest proportion of occupational fatalities in 2017 and 2018 (Garner-Purkis, 2018).