Design for safety implementation among construction design professionals in Sri Lanka

This study investigates the implementation of design for safety (DfS) among design professionals in Sri Lanka’s construction industry. It explores factors influencing DfS adoption and assesses readiness to integrate digital technologies for DfS, particularly building information modelling (BIM). A quantitative research design was adopted using a cross-sectional survey of 104 design professionals, predominantly architects. Descriptive and inferential statistics (i.e. t-tests) were used to analyse the data. The findings reveal that while there is high awareness and positive attitudes towards DfS, there is a moderate level of implementation in practice. Formal education and training in DfS are limited, although interest in DfS training is high. Despite its potential to support DfS, BIM adoption for safety-related design remains low, constrained by technical, financial and institutional barriers. Key factors perceived to influence DfS implementation include attitude towards DfS, designers’ knowledge and training, and regulatory framework. This study contributes to the limited literature on DfS in developing countries by providing context-specific insights into how Sri Lankan design professionals perceive and apply DfS. It highlights the importance of experience, education and digital readiness in shaping safety-conscious design practices and offers a foundation for future research and policy development aimed at improving construction safety through design.