A methodology study on the role of quantity surveying insafety cost planning and risk mitigation in the construction projects

The construction industry in Malaysia is one of the highest contributors to workplace accidents and fatalities. Despite efforts to reduce accidents through various mechanisms and regulations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994, Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) guidelines, and SHASSIC assessment, accidents in the industry remain a major issue. A significant contributing factor is the lack of financial allocation for safety planning, which has a direct impact on safety performance. Quantity Surveyors (QSs) have an essential role in cost management and cost planning. However, in most cases, they do not consider Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) elements during the planning stage, especially in the early phase of project cost estimation. This research aims to study the role of QSs in optimising safety costs to minimise risks and liabilities in construction projects. The research adopts a qualitative approach by combining data gathered from literature review and semi-structured interviews. The interviewees include QSs and safety officers working in building construction projects in Malaysia. The expected outcome is a framework of safety value planning to guide the Quantity Surveyor’s involvement in planning for safety-related costs while reducing liabilities and ensuring regulatory compliance.