Exploring regulatory capabilities for design for safety in construction: the case of Malaysia

Purpose Despite numerous efforts to examine the Design for Safety (DfS) capabilities of different duty holders, understanding regulatory capabilities has remained limited. This study aims to identify the regulatory DfS capabilities for regulatory organizations in Malaysia to enhance enforcement effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research methodology was adopted using a structured questionnaire informed by literature and expert validation. Data were collected via face-to-face surveys with 91 stakeholders during 14 engagement sessions using purposive sampling. Responses were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, along with content analysis of open-ended responses to identify key capabilities for effective DfS regulatory implementation in Malaysia’s construction sector. Findings Analysis of the survey data showed that the five most important DfS regulatory capabilities are competence-based capabilities (i.e. knowledge and skills) and strategy-based capabilities (i.e. resilience, top management commitment and funding allocation). Furthermore, the findings suggest that the continuous improvement of DfS practices relies on six key drivers: leadership and commitment, capacity building and duty holder training, technological advancements and integration, regulatory framework and compliance, stakeholder engagement and collaboration and financial and resource allocation. Practical implications The identified regulatory capabilities will facilitate regulatory organizations to enforce the DfS legislation, e.g. Occupational Safety and Health (Construction Work) (Design and Management) Regulations 2024, effectively. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing DfS literature by providing the first empirical evidence on regulatory DfS capabilities in construction, thereby facilitating the diffusion of DfS practices within enforcement and beyond, particularly in the context of developing countries.