About Design for Safety
Learn about Design for Safety (DfS) and the relevant laws and industry standards. Understand the duties of the various stakeholders involved.
Laws and Industry Standards
As a developer or designer, you are expected to comply with Singapore's WSH laws. You should pay particular attention to the following legislations:
- WSH (Design for Safety) Regulations 2015
- WSH (Construction) Regulations 2007
- WSH (Risk Management) Regulations
You should also observe the WSH Guidelines on Design for Safety.
Stakeholders and Duties
Developers
- Work together with the Designer to ensure foreseeable design risks are eliminated or reduced
- Communicate foreseeable design risks, allocate sufficient time and appropriate resources for Designers and Contractors to perform their duties
DfS Professionals
- Convene DfS Review Meetings on behalf of Developer
- Keep an updated copy of DfS Register
- Provide all relevant information on each foreseeable risk identified and its mitigation to the Developer
Designers
- Ensure foreseeable design risks are eliminated or reduced through the design plan
- Ensure collective protective measures are taken to manage any residual design risks
- Ensure all relevant information on design, construction and maintenance are available to stakeholders
Contractors
- Inform Developer or Main contractor of any foreseeable risks
- Provide all relevant information and ensure persons (e.g. subcontractors) hired are competent to carry out their duties
- Carry out risk assessment to mitigate risks
- Ensure safety during the construction phase
Owners
- Keep a copy of the DfS Register
- Communicate all foreseeable risks to persons carrying out maintenance and future works
- Hand over DfS Register to future owners
Watch the DfS Video below to learn more about the various stakeholders involved in a construction project and how they can work together to improve WSH outcomes through DfS.