Health and Safety Management Using Building Information Modelling: Phase One Report

The construction industry is known as one of the most dangerous industries. Numerous safety incidents, injuries and fatalities could be prevented by improved communication and information flow and analysis in all phases of the asset lifecycle. The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM), a technology enabling the digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a building or infrastructure project offers the means of improving Work Health and Safety (WHS) outcomes in the construction industry. Yet, its application to WHS management, particularly in Australia, has been varied and inconsistent and the extent to which it can improve WHS outcomes in construction is unclear. The project "Work Health and Safety Management using Building Information Modelling" examines the opportunities to achieve WHS objectives through application of BIM in major construction projects. This technical report presents the outcomes of phase one of four phases, and identifies solutions for integrating the WHS aspect in BIM-enabled project planning, design and delivery. Specifically, this includes understanding how and to what extent BIM is used and can be used for WHS management, including different options of implementation and the associated barriers, enablers, limitations and consequences for WHS risk reduction for the industry, the government and the regulator. The outcomes of phase one provide the theoretical and practical context for phase two, which aims to identify preferred procurement models and best practices to evaluate WHS management in BIM-enabled project proposals and develop recommendations for government clients.