Many construction accidents are attributed to design stage decision-making. Design for Safety (DfS) is a proactive approach to improving health and safety (H&S) performance; however, its effectiveness is often limited by late inclusion of Construction Health and Safety Agents (CHSAs) in the project. This study examines factors affecting CHSA integration in the design stage and proposes an integrative framework to improve H&S performance. A quantitative, positivist approach was adopted. Data was collected from construction professionals in South Africa, including CHSAs, project managers, engineers, and architects wherein 85 respondents participated. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis H-test and Spearman’s rank correlation to test hypotheses related to CHSA integration, collaboration, and technological enablers. The findings revealed strong agreement on the significance of early CHSA integration, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the adoption of the Common Data Environment (CDE). The results confirmed significant positive relationships between CHSA integration, collaboration and H&S performance, and CDE adoption and collaboration. Key barriers identified included designers’ concerns regarding professional liability and limited H&S expertise within design teams. The study concludes that early CHSA involvement, supported by collaborative practices and enabling technologies, can significantly enhance DfS implementation and improve H&S outcomes on construction projects.

Keywords

Construction Health and Safety Agents; Design for Safety; Collaboration; Health and Safety Performance; Common Data Environment.