Design for safety in construction in Nigeria: a qualitative inquiry of the critical opportunities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the critical opportunities for design safety (DFS), potential statutory (and non-statutory) health and (H&S) responsibilities designers including DFS its workability in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach Interviews were conducted among 28 multi-designers Architects, Civil Engineers Builders data was analysed thematically. Findings study revealed that likelihood designers, clients, etc. inclining change because infancy stage H&S countries, making it “fallow” a barrier. include willingness develop skills knowledge, which results welcoming attitude towards DFS. Further, success recorded by professional bodies on other regulatory matters designers' greater inclination comply with when are involved process remain key Practical implications For statutory-backed achieve objective at optimum level, role sensitisation processes, geographic differences legislation enforcement, nuanced strategic enforcement any will support should be taken into consideration. Social A grassroots collaborative approach implementing country exploitation zeal have DFS-related recommended. Originality/value To knowledge authors, first examines countries (or not) supported statute need advance understanding through qualitative enquiry.