The role of human resource management in implementing 'prevention through design' (PtD) strategies to enhance occupational health and safety in the construction industry: A thematic analysis approach

Abstract

Occupational health and safety (OHS) in the construction industry remains a critical challenge, with high rates of workplace accidents and injuries. Prevention through Design (PtD) offers a proactive approach to mitigating risks by integrating safety considerations at the design phase. However, the role of human resource management (HRM) in facilitating PtD remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by investigating how HR professionals contribute to the implementation of PtD through strategic planning, training, and cross-functional collaboration. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected from 12 industry experts, including HR managers, safety officers, engineers, and site supervisors. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software, identifying six key themes: HR Involvement in PtD, Training and Competency Development, Cross- Functional Collaboration, Cultural and Organisational Barriers, Safety Culture Impact, and Measuring PtD Effectiveness. The findings reveal that early HR engagement in design planning enhances workforce readiness, training specificity, and the integration of safety culture. Despite these benefits, organisational resistance, hierarchical silos, and the lack of structured evaluation metrics hinder the full adoption of PtD. This study is novel in its focus on HR’s strategic role in PtD, offering insights for construction firms, policymakers, and regulatory bodies. The research highlights the need for HR-driven PtD frameworks, improved collaboration mechanisms, and standardised safety assessment models. Future studies should explore longitudinal impacts of HR-led PtD strategies and the role of digital tools such as BIM and VR in safety training. The study contributes to both academia and industry by emphasising the transformational role of HR in designing safer construction environments.